National News
India-Oman CEPA Opens New Export Corridor As First Gold Jewellery Shipment Departs From Kolkata
First Duty-Free Gold Jewellery Consignment Under The India-Oman CEPA Departs From Kolkata, Paving the Way For Stronger Trade Ties and An Estimated Fivefold Growth In Exports To Oman Over The Next Three Years.
In a significant milestone for India’s gems and jewellery sector, the first shipment of gold jewellery from Kolkata to Oman under the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was dispatched today, marking the commencement of direct duty-free exports from Eastern India to the Sultanate of Oman. The maiden consignment, exported by Kolkata-based jewellery manufacturer Wonder Jewels, was flagged off in the presence of Smt. Arti Saxena, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Kolkata (Airport & Air Cargo Complex) and Shri Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern Region, GJEPC and other officials.
The India-Oman CEPA, which came into force on 1 June 2026, provides duty-free access for Indian gold jewellery and diamonds in the Omani market, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian products and creating new opportunities for exporters. The agreement is expected to strengthen direct trade links between the two countries while reducing dependence on intermediary trade routes.
Oman represents a promising destination for Indian gems and jewellery exports. India’s exports of gems and jewellery to Oman currently stand at around USD 35 million, including approximately USD 10 million in gold jewellery exports. Industry estimates indicate that exports to Oman could increase to nearly USD 150 million over the next three years, driven by improved market access and growing demand for Indian jewellery in the region.
Commenting on the development, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“We have already witnessed the positive impact of India’s trade agreements, particularly the India-UAE CEPA and the India-Australia ECTA, in expanding market access and creating new opportunities for our exporters. Despite geopolitical uncertainties and the challenges posed by evolving tariff regimes during FY 2025-26, the gems and jewellery sector delivered exports of nearly USD 28 billion, reflecting the resilience of the industry and the benefits of market diversification.
We are confident that the India-Oman CEPA will further strengthen India’s presence in the Gulf region and open new avenues for export growth. We thank the Government of India for its continued efforts to secure trade agreements that support the growth and global competitiveness of our industry.”
Pankaj Parekh, Regional Chairman, Eastern Region, GJEPC, said:
“The first shipment from Kolkata under the India-Oman CEPA highlights the growing role of Eastern India in India’s gems and jewellery export ecosystem. Direct duty-free access to the Omani market will eliminate the need for costly routing through the UAE, making Indian jewellery more competitive while enabling faster deliveries and greater efficiency. The agreement opens up new business opportunities for exporters from the region, and we expect this development to encourage more companies to explore Oman and the wider Gulf market.”
Industry stakeholders believe the India-Oman CEPA will further strengthen bilateral trade and position Oman as an important gateway for Indian jewellery exports to the wider Gulf region.
National News
India’s Consul General To Dubai Visits GJEPC Headquarters
GJEPC briefed CG on the Indian gem and jewellery industry’s scale, global leadership in manufacturing, export outlook and the sector’s roadmap for future growth
Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India to Dubai, visited the GJEPC headquarters in Mumbai on 24th July for an interaction with industry leaders to gain a deeper understanding of the sector and its engagement with the UAE.
The UAE is India’s largest trading partner in gems and jewellery, with bilateral trade reaching US$33.51 billion in FY2025-26.
The Consul General was welcomed by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, along with Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Manish Jiwani, Convenor – MSME; Ashish Borda, Convenor – PMBD; Mital Doshi, Convenor – BITC; Bharat Ghori, Co-Convenor – MSME; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
GJEPC briefed Mr. Reddy on the Indian gem and jewellery industry’s scale, global leadership in manufacturing, export outlook and the sector’s roadmap for future growth. Discussions also covered GJEPC’s role in trade promotion, policy advocacy, international exhibitions and infrastructure development to strengthen India’s position as a global jewellery manufacturing and trading hub.
Given Dubai’s strategic importance to the industry, the meeting focused on the India-UAE gem and jewellery trade ecosystem, evolving supply chains, trade and logistics, banking and financing, and opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. The delegation also outlined policy initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s competitiveness in global trading and value addition.
Reddy said the visit provided him with valuable insights into the industry’s priorities and challenges, and expressed his willingness to work closely with GJEPC and the trade to strengthen India’s gem and jewellery partnership with Dubai and the wider UAE.
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