The 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 opened on an optimistic note, with government leaders and global industry executives highlighting India’s growing influence in the international gems and jewellery business. Speakers at the inaugural ceremony underlined the country’s strengths in manufacturing, design, technology, exports and consumer trust, while calling for stronger branding, innovation and global collaboration.
The show’s timing is propitious, and comes close on the heels of the India-UK CETA that 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.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra. The Guests of Honour included Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery, part of Titan Company Ltd.; Pritesh Patel, Chief Executive Officer and President, GIA; Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha; and Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, Mumbai. They were joined on the dais by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Anil Virani, Convener, A&F, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with industry leaders, international buyers and exhibitors from across the world.
Addressing the gathering Chief Guest, Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, said Maharashtra is committed to strengthening its position as India’s leading gems and jewellery hub. He highlighted the state’s dedicated Gems & Jewellery Policy 2025, ongoing cluster development and investment incentives designed to accelerate exports, employment and infrastructure.
“Maharashtra has opened its doors for investment in the gems and jewellery sector. The state government led by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, is committed to providing worldclass infrastructure, policy support and ease of doing business so that the state continues to power India’s global leadership in gems and jewellery exports. Together, we can make Maharashtra the preferred destination for the industry’s next phase of growth,” he said.
Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery, described IIJS Bharat as one of the industry’s most important global sourcing platforms and praised India’s enduring role in supplying jewellery, craftsmanship and design to international markets.
“India has always been a vital source of jewellery, craftsmanship and inspiration for the Middle East. For Damas, now part of the Titan family, this is an especially proud moment. Titan became the first Indian jewellery company to acquire a majority stake in an international jewellery retail chain, taking Indian jewellery onto the global stage. IIJS Bharat remains an important platform to reconnect with one of our largest sources of design, craftsmanship and innovation. As consumer preferences evolve, our industry must move from following trends to leading them through design, technology and deeper consumer understanding. India has the talent and capability to shape the future of global jewellery, with GJEPC playing a critical role in bringing the industry together,” Hariharan noted.
Pritesh Patel, CEO and President, GIA, said trust will remain the industry’s most valuable asset as consumer expectations continue to evolve. “Consumers today seek transparency, provenance and confidence in every purchase. India’s role extends far beyond manufacturing. It is becoming a global centre for innovation, talent and industry leadership. GIA remains committed to investing in science, education and technology in India because the country’s success is essential to the future success of the global gems and jewellery industry.”
Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha, said India’s jewellery sector must build stronger global brands alongside its manufacturing leadership. “India is already the world’s workshop for gems and jewellery. The next step is to build globally respected Indian jewellery brands. Our craftsmanship is unmatched, but we must combine it with technology, branding and innovation to unlock the sector’s full export potential. I am confident India’s jewellery exports can grow to $100 billion in the years ahead.”
Welcoming the dignitaries, 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 longterm business partnerships. As India’s flagship jewellery show celebrates 25 years, IIJS Bharat today reflects the world’s confidence in Indian craftsmanship, manufacturing excellence, innovation and our growing leadership in global trade.”
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.”
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.
“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.”
The inaugural session reflected strong confidence in India’s growing global stature in gems and jewellery, with speakers highlighting policy support, innovation, consumer trust, branding and international collaboration as the key drivers of future growth. As IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 unfolds over the next five days, the show is expected to facilitate robustt business opportunities while reinforcing India’s position as a leading global sourcing destination for gems and jewellery.