The Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, organised a focused outreach programme titled “Leveraging FTAs for the Gems & Jewellery Sector” in Jaipur in collaboration with the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. The event brought together exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, and industry stakeholders to explore opportunities arising from India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to help exporters, particularly MSMEs and cluster-based enterprises, maximise the benefits of enhanced market access secured through India’s new-generation trade agreements.
India’s export performance has shown strong growth over the past decade, with total exports reaching a record USD 863 billion in FY 2025-26, compared to USD 468 billion in FY 2014-15. Merchandise exports accounted for USD 442 billion, while services exports reached USD 421 billion.
As India’s trade agreements become broader and more commercially significant, the gems and jewellery sector has emerged as one of the key beneficiaries.
According to the Department of Commerce, countries covered under India’s FTAs collectively import more than USD 55 billion worth of jewellery annually. India’s current share stands at approximately USD 8 billion, indicating substantial untapped export potential.
Rajasthan is particularly well-positioned to benefit from this opportunity. The state contributes nearly 97% of India’s coloured gemstone exports and maintains a strong presence in silver jewellery and imitation jewellery manufacturing.
Addressing the gathering, Saket Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, said:
“India’s FTAs are strategic instruments for expanding export opportunities. Our objective is to ensure that every exporter, including MSMEs and cluster-based enterprises, is equipped to utilise them.”
The programme aligns with the vision of Piyush Goyal, who has consistently emphasised export competitiveness, improved market access, and stronger domestic manufacturing as key pillars of India’s export growth strategy.
The government has set an ambitious target of achieving USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030, with effective utilisation of FTAs expected to play a critical role in reaching this milestone.
The Department of Commerce stated that similar outreach programmes will continue across major export clusters in India to increase awareness of FTA-related opportunities and support the country’s goal of becoming a leading global manufacturing and export hub under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
