How FDI can transform India’s gold and jewellery export ecosystem
India’s gold and jewellery sector is a storied titan—employing over 4.6 million artisans and contributing nearly 7 per cent to total merchandise exports. Yet, despite this cultural legacy, India’s share in the global fine jewellery market remains modest relative to its craftsmanship depth. The missing catalyst is sustained, strategic Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). FDI in this sector is not merely a capital story; it is a structural transformation story. As global supply chains seek a “China + 1” alternative, India stands at a crossroads. Targeted investment can rewire supply chains and reposition the industry from a fragmented cottage industry to a technologically sophisticated manufacturing hub.
