India’s gem and jewellery industry has entered a transformational phase as IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 opened in Mumbai amidst landmark free trade agreements that are reshaping global export opportunities. With expanded international market access, over 2,100 exhibitors, thousands of global buyers, and major policy reforms supporting trade and manufacturing, the 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere marks a defining moment for India’s journey towards becoming a global gem and jewellery business hub.
Quick Summary
- IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 opened at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.
- The event takes place amid landmark FTAs with UAE, Australia, Oman and the UK, with EU and New Zealand agreements expected.
- More than 2,100 exhibitors are showcasing across 3,600 stalls.
- The exhibition spans over 135,000 sq. metres across JWCC and BEC.
- Over 50,000 visitors, including 2,700+ international buyers from 80+ countries, are expected.
- IIJS celebrates 25 years as India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition.
- IGJME 2026 features 249 exhibitors across 348 stalls focused on advanced manufacturing technologies.
- GJEPC highlighted India’s expanding global leadership, export reforms and diamond trading opportunities.
- The proposed 15-year tax exemption for rough diamond sales through Special Notified Zones was described as a landmark industry reform.
- The event also showcases innovation through The Select Club, JewelStart Demo Day, Innov8 Talks and 20 Under 40.
Historic Opening Amid Landmark Trade Agreements
The 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere opened at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, against the most favourable trade backdrop the Indian gem and jewellery industry has ever known. A succession of free trade agreements — with the UAE, Australia, Oman and the United Kingdom, with the European Union and New Zealand to follow — has redrawn the export map for Indian jewellery, opening some of the world’s most valuable markets on preferential terms.
Dignitaries Grace the Inauguration Ceremony
The show was inaugurated by Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha; Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery; and Mr. Pritesh Patel, CEO and President, GIA; Mr. Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, SEZ Mumbai— alongside Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Anil Virani, Convener Accounts & Finance, GJEPC and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
New Trade Agreements Reshape Export Opportunities
The timing is significant. The India–UK CETA came into force on 15 July and the India–Oman CEPA on 1 June, while agreements with the European Union and New Zealand await operationalisation. For the exporters and buyers on the show floor this week, the commercial map looks materially different from a year ago.
IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 Sets New Scale
Recognised as the world’s second-largest gem and jewellery B2B exhibition, IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 spans over 135,000 sq. metres across two venues, featuring more than 2,100 exhibitors across 3,600 stalls. The show is expected to draw over 50,000 visitors, including 2,700+ international buyers from more than 80 countries.
Exhibition Venues and 25-Year Milestone
The exhibition runs at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, from 5 to 9 August, and at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO, Goregaon, from 6 to 10 August 2026. This year also marks 25 years of IIJS as India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition.
IGJME Highlights Manufacturing Innovation
Running concurrently at the Bombay Exhibition Centre from 6 to 10 August, the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) has established itself as the industry’s premier platform for advanced manufacturing technology. This year’s edition features 249 exhibitors across 348 stalls, presenting the latest in jewellery manufacturing, automation, precision engineering, tools and equipment — underscoring the industry’s push towards technology-enabled, globally competitive production.
Maharashtra’s Vision for Industry Growth
Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, said, “Maharashtra has always been the heart of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and with the State’s dedicated Gem & Jewellery Policy 2025, we are creating an ecosystem that encourages investment, generates employment and strengthens the industry’s global competitiveness. The Government of Maharashtra remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry to make the state the preferred destination for gem and jewellery manufacturing, exports and innovation.”
Building Global Indian Jewellery Brands
Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha said, “India’s gem and jewellery industry is much more than a business—it is a reflection of our rich culture, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. While India has earned global recognition as a manufacturing powerhouse, the next step is to build world-class Indian jewellery brands that command trust and admiration across international markets. With our unmatched artistry, adoption of technology and continued support from the Government, I am confident that India’s gem and jewellery exports can achieve far greater milestones in the years ahead.”
GIA on India’s Growing Global Leadership
Mr. Pritesh Patel, CEO and President, GIA said, “IIJS Premiere reflects India’s growing influence in the global gem and jewellery industry. Every year, it brings together craftsmanship, innovation and international collaboration under one roof. GIA is proud to support this remarkable platform that continues to shape the future of our industry. As consumer expectations evolve, trust, transparency and education become more important than ever. India is not only a global manufacturing powerhouse but also an emerging hub of innovation, talent and leadership. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build a future rooted in integrity, confidence and lasting value for consumers around the world.”
Damas Jewellery Highlights Collaboration
Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery said, “IIJS continues to demonstrate India’s remarkable strength in jewellery design, craftsmanship, and innovation. For Damas, it remains an invaluable platform to reconnect with trusted partners, discover fresh inspiration, and strengthen long-standing relationships. As consumer expectations evolve, our industry must lead through creativity, deeper customer understanding, and collaboration. India has the talent, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future of the global jewellery business, and IIJS is central to that journey.”
GJEPC Chairman on IIJS Bharat Premiere’s Global Influence
Addressing the gathering, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “IIJS Bharat Premiere has evolved into one of the world’s most influential B2B gem and jewellery exhibitions. It is where the global jewellery industry comes together to source, collaborate, discover new trends and build long-term business partnerships. As India’s flagship jewellery show celebrates 25 years, IIJS today reflects the world’s confidence in Indian craftsmanship, manufacturing excellence, innovation and our growing leadership in global trade.”
Taxation Bill 2026 to Transform Diamond Trading
Speaking about the introduction of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in Parliament, Shri Bhansali added, “The proposed 15-year tax exemption for rough diamond sales through India’s Special Notified Zones is a landmark reform for our industry. For decades, India has cut and polished the world’s diamonds without ever trading them. That is now set to change. Global mining companies and traders will bring their rough directly to India, enabling our manufacturers to source at the origin with better access, greater choice and competitive pricing. India will no longer be known only as the place where diamonds are made. India is poised to become a global hub where diamonds are bought and sold.”
The Next 25 Years for India’s Jewellery Industry
Reflecting on IIJS Bharat Premiere completing 25 years as India’s premier B2B jewellery show, Shri Bhansali said, “If the last 25 years established India as a global manufacturing hub, the next 25 years must establish India as a global leader in the gem and jewellery business.” He noted that a series of reforms—including new FTAs, the nationwide hand-carriage facility for jewellery exports, and the e-commerce export framework for MSMEs and artisans—are creating new opportunities for exporters. He also highlighted India’s first-ever Pre-Auction Diamond Viewing Event and Melee Auction at the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC under the FTWZ framework as another milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global diamond trading hub.
Strengthening Brand India Worldwide
“These reforms have created new opportunities. We must create demand for Indian jewellery, build globally recognised Indian brands, and strengthen Brand India across every major market.”
Special Features at IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026
The show also features The Select Club, a curated showcase of India’s finest couture jewellery; 20 Under 40, recognising emerging industry leaders; JewelStart Demo Day, spotlighting jewellery-tech startups; and Innov8 Talks, bringing together global experts to discuss the future of diamonds, AI, technology, precious metals and the evolving gem and jewellery business.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10900+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
FAQs
What is IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026?
IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 is the 42nd edition of India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition, bringing together exhibitors, buyers and industry leaders from across the world.
How many exhibitors are participating in IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026?
The exhibition features more than 2,100 exhibitors across 3,600 stalls.
How many international buyers are expected?
More than 2,700 international buyers from over 80 countries are expected to attend.
What are the venues for IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026?
The exhibition is held at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC, and the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), Goregaon, Mumbai.
What is IGJME?
The India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) is the industry’s leading exhibition for jewellery manufacturing technology, machinery, automation and equipment.
Why are the new FTAs important for the jewellery industry?
The new free trade agreements provide Indian jewellery exporters with preferential access to major international markets, creating new opportunities for exports and business growth.
What milestone does IIJS achieve in 2026?
IIJS celebrates 25 years as India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition.
Source: SVAR Media Network
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