India–UK Trade Agreement to Be Operational from July 15, Says PM Modi, Calling It a ‘Historic Milestone’

New Delhi, June 18: The India–UK trade agreement will come into effect from July 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday, describing it as a “historic milestone” in the economic partnership between the two countries.

Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia 

The operationalisation of the agreement is expected to mark a significant step forward in strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations, while opening new opportunities for businesses, exporters, and industries on both sides.

According to officials, the agreement is designed to enhance market access, streamline trade processes, and deepen cooperation in key sectors including goods, services, manufacturing, technology, and innovation-driven industries. It is also expected to support supply chain integration and encourage greater economic collaboration between India and the United Kingdom.

Prime Minister Modi said the agreement reflects the growing trust and shared ambition between India and the UK to build a stronger, future-oriented economic partnership. He noted that the pact will contribute to expanding trade opportunities and fostering long-term economic growth.

Officials further stated that the implementation of the agreement will provide a structured framework for boosting bilateral trade flows and improving ease of doing business between the two economies.

The development is being viewed as a major milestone in India’s expanding global trade engagements, reinforcing its position as a key player in international economic partnerships.

PM Modi–Trump Meeting at G7 Focuses on Trade, West Asia and Strengthening India–US Ties

New Delhi, June 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Donald Trump held discussions on key global and bilateral issues on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, focusing on West Asia developments, progress on the India–US trade agreement, and expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

 Pic Credit: https://x.com/PMOIndia

PM @narendramodi met US President @realDonaldTrump in Evian and reviewed progress in India-US cooperation across sectors such as energy, trade, defence, technology and people-to-people ties.

The two leaders also exchanged views on developments in West Asia. The Prime Minister… pic.twitter.com/CVZLtgcmDL

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 17, 2026

The MEA said the meeting covered strategic, economic and geopolitical priorities of mutual interest, with both leaders reviewing ways to further strengthen trade, investment, defence, energy and technology partnerships between India and the United States.

The discussions also included the situation in West Asia, with emphasis on regional stability and its global economic impact. Both sides expressed interest in deepening cooperation to support long-term strategic and economic alignment.

Following the meeting, business leaders and members of the Indian diaspora welcomed the engagement, saying it could help further boost confidence in India–US economic and strategic relations.

Officials noted that the interaction reflects continued efforts to expand the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two countries.

Indian Markets Trade Flat in Early Session Amid Mixed Global Cues

Mumbai, June 18: Indian benchmark equity indices traded flat in early trading on Thursday as investors remained cautious amid mixed signals from global markets.

The domestic market opened on a subdued note, with buying in select sectors offset by weakness in others. Investors largely adopted a wait-and-watch approach while tracking developments in international markets and key economic indicators.

Market sentiment remained influenced by global uncertainty, with traders closely monitoring movements across Asian and international markets. Sector-specific activity was seen in banking, information technology, and automobile stocks, while broader market participation remained moderate during the opening session.

Analysts said mixed global cues and investor caution contributed to the range-bound movement in early trade. Despite the muted start, domestic equities continued to find support from steady investor participation and resilient economic fundamentals.

The benchmark indices fluctuated within a narrow range during the initial hours of trading as market participants awaited fresh triggers for directional movement.

Trading activity is expected to remain focused on global developments, corporate updates, and economic data releases that could influence investor sentiment in the coming sessions.

Kothari Group Forays into Retail Jewellery with the Launch of Lab Grown Diamond Brand Keemti Jewels

Mumbai, June 18: After over 35 years of building a global legacy in jewellery manufacturing and exports, the Kothari Group has officially entered India’s retail jewellery market with the launch of Keemti Jewels, a contemporary lab grown diamond jewellery brand founded by Armaan Sunil Kothari and designed for a new generation of Indian consumers. 

Backed by entrepreneur and investor Nikhil Kamath, along with entrepreneur-investor Kavin Shah, Keemti brings together the Kothari Group‘s deep-rooted expertise in jewellery manufacturing with a modern, consumer-first vision for the future of lab grown jewellery.

Marking its retail debut, Keemti has launched its first flagship store in Andheri, Mumbai.

The store was officially inaugurated by Smt. Amruta Fadnavis, former banker, singer and social activist, and entrepreneur and investor Nikhil Kamath in the presence of Armaan Kothari, Founder & MD, Keemti, Sunil Kothari, Chairman, Keemti, and entrepreneur-investor Kavin Shah. The launch event was attended by prominent guests from the entertainment, business, and social circles, including Jackie Shroff, Stebin Ben, Seema Singh, and Varun Sharma. Located on Link Road near Infiniti Mall, within one of the city’s prominent jewellery and lifestyle hubs, the store introduces consumers to the brand’s fresh perspective on modern fine jewellery and accessible luxury.

At a time when consumer preferences are rapidly shifting toward conscious luxury, transparency, and self-purchase behaviour, Keemti aims to redefine how modern Indian consumers engage with diamonds. The brand moves away from traditional narratives of inheritance and occasion-led gifting, instead positioning jewellery as a symbol of personal ambition, individuality, and self-earned success.

Designed as a contemporary luxury destination, the Keemti flagship store offers an immersive retail experience that goes beyond traditional jewellery shopping. The space showcases the brand’s signature collections across everyday wear, occasion-led jewellery, statement designs, and modern essentials, allowing consumers to explore a wide range of lab grown diamond pieces under one roof. Thoughtfully designed interiors, personalised consultations, private viewing experiences, and dedicated lounge areas further enhance the customer journey, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for discovery, celebration, and self-expression.

While Keemti’s flagship presence begins in Mumbai, the brand is also focused on catering to the evolving aspirations of consumers across Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets in India through its omnichannel approach. Recognising the growing demand for contemporary, accessible, and value-driven fine jewellery beyond metro cities, Keemti aims to make lab grown diamond jewellery more approachable for a wider new-age consumer base across the country. In addition to its retail presence, Keemti is available through its website and leading e-commerce marketplaces, including Amazon, enabling consumers across India to seamlessly access and purchase its collections.

What sets Keemti apart within the rapidly growing lab grown diamond category is not only its consumer-first positioning, but also the structural advantage of the Kothari Group’s long-standing manufacturing expertise across the USA, Europe, and the Middle East. By owning its manufacturing process, the brand is able to deliver aspirational design, trusted quality, and stronger value for today’s consumers.

Speaking about the launch, Sunil Kothari, Chairman, Keemti, said: “For decades, we have built our legacy on craftsmanship, trust, and a deep understanding of the global jewellery industry. With Keemti, we saw an opportunity to build a brand that reflects where the future of fine jewellery is headed. The growing shift toward lab grown diamonds is not just a trend, it represents a larger evolution in consumer mindset toward conscious luxury, accessibility, and modern design.

Keemti combines the strength of our manufacturing expertise with a contemporary consumer-focused approach, allowing us to create fine jewellery that is both aspirational and relevant for today’s market. I see Keemti as a long-term growth story, and we are committed to expanding our retail and omnichannel presence across key markets in India while continuing to strengthen consumer trust in the lab grown diamond category.”

Sharing his vision for the brand, Armaan Kothari, Founder & MD, Keemti, added: “At Keemti, we believe the next generation of luxury brands will be built around consumers, not just products. Keemti was created for a new-age audience that seeks transparency, relevance, and self-expression in everything they buy. Our ambition is to make fine jewellery feel more contemporary, more accessible, and more aligned with evolving consumer values.

With our expansion plans, we are focused on taking the Keemti experience to newer markets across India and building a brand ecosystem that seamlessly blends retail, digital, and community-led engagement.”

With an expanding omnichannel presence across retail stores, e-commerce, and marketplaces, Keemti aims to make lab grown diamond jewellery a more contemporary, accessible, and smart choice for a new generation of consumers that values meaning, versatility, and conscious luxury in equal measure.