The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) announced the launch of the India Rough Diamond Show (IRDS), a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at bringing global rough diamond supply directly to India. The event is being hosted at the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world’s largest office complex dedicated to the diamond trade.
IRDS introduces India’s first structured platform for rough diamond tenders, designed to reduce reliance on international trading centres and strengthen domestic access to supply, especially for small manufacturers and traders who are not having the wherewithal to travel to such centres and buy the rough diamonds. The show will run for 35 days from 6th April to 10th May 2026, enabling sustained participation and continuous business engagement.
Leading global diamond trading and auction firms, including Star Gems and Koin International, have confirmed participation, signalling strong international confidence. The exhibition is expected to showcase rough diamonds worth approximately USD 100 million (₹1,000 crore) across multiple tender sessions.
IRDS is expected to draw over 250 MSME diamond manufacturers per weekly session, with total participation crossing 1,000 MSMEs over the course of the show. This structure ensures wider industry access while strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem.
Commenting on the launch, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India Rough Diamond Show is a decisive step towards bringing global rough supply closer to India’s manufacturing base. By creating a transparent and structured tendering platform within the country, we are improving ease of doing business, reducing costs, and strengthening the competitiveness of Indian diamantaires, particularly MSMEs. This initiative reinforces our vision of positioning India not just as a manufacturing leader, but also as a key trading hub in the global diamond value chain.”
Anoop Mehta, Diamond Panel Convenor, GJEPC, noted, “IRDS addresses a long-standing industry need by enabling direct access to global rough supply within India. The platform will streamline procurement, enhance transparency in pricing, and create consistent opportunities for manufacturers to participate in structured tenders. It is a practical step towards strengthening the entire diamond pipeline, from sourcing to manufacturing.”
Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC, added, “Hosting IRDS at Surat strengthens the city’s position as the heart of India’s diamond manufacturing ecosystem. With direct access to global rough supply now available locally, diamantaires in the region stand to benefit from improved efficiencies, reduced turnaround times, and greater business continuity. This initiative will further consolidate Surat’s role in the global diamond industry.”
IRDS is positioned as a strategic intervention to improve ease of doing business, reduce logistical and financial inefficiencies, and enhance India’s competitiveness in diamond manufacturing. By enabling direct sourcing, the platform aims to support MSMEs and improve value retention within the country.
India currently processes over 90% of the world’s diamonds by volume, yet much of the rough trading takes place in global hubs such as Antwerp, Dubai, and Tel Aviv. IRDS marks a shift towards localising this activity, aligning with GJEPC’s broader vision of strengthening “Brand India” and reinforcing the country’s leadership across the diamond value chain.