National News
10th edition of IIBS puts the spotlight on trends, policies, and innovations in the bullion and jewellery markets
Platform for key stakeholders, including refiners, jewellers, traders, policymakers, and financial institutions to deliberate key issues
The 10th edition of India International Bullion Summit (IIBS-10) organized by India Bullion & Jewellers Association’s (IBJA) was held in Mumbai on 7th & 8th March, 2025. More than 800 bullion dealers and jewellers attended this event.IIBS provided a platform for key stakeholders, including refiners, jewellers, traders, policymakers, and financial institutions to deliberate.
IIBS was formally unveiled by Dr. Hasmukh Adhia – IAS (Retd.) – Chairman, GIFT City in the presence of Guests of Honour Pradeep Ramakrishnan – Executive Director – International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), Prithviraj Kothari – National President – India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd (IBJA), David Tait – Chief Executive Officer – World Gold Council, Shivanshu Mehta – SVP & Head-Bullion, MCX Director, IIBX IFSCÂ LTD, Rajesh Rokade – Chairman – All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), Samit Guha – Chief Financial and Technology Officer – MMTC – PAMP India Private Limited

Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, IAS (Retd.)- Chairman, GIFT City said, “Don’t be complacent about the US tariff as the collateral damage will happen to India, but we have to watch out how industrial trade will shape and we hope that the outcome of US tariff will be good on India. I believe the Indian economy is doing well but India needs formalization of gold and we would like to address any concerns of the bullion Industry. I wish IBJA a grand success. Thank you for organizing this knowledgeable summit and inviting me to be a part of it.”
Prithviraj Kothari, National President, IBJA speaking at 10th IIBS said, “Bullion and Jewellery plays a great role in boosting the economy and it will continue to in future. Also, Gold and Silver has been in the limelight for the past five years and will continue further. IBJA has been active to support industry and to help grow the jewellery industry, we make sure that Gold Monetization Scheme is more accessible to SME Jewellers and IBJA is committed to maintain transparency in the Gold and Bullion Industry. I welcome everyone on behalf of IBJA to take advantage of this summit and thank you for the overwhelming response.”

The panel discussion included topics like Silver Industry Growth – Challenges And Opportunity, India’s Golden Ambition For Jewellery Market, Bringing Artisan In Main Stream, Leadership in Retail Jewellery Business, Is FTA & CEPA Distorting Market, Vision 2047 For Gold Industry by World Gold Council, Cyber Fraud in Gems & Jewellery Sector, Generating Funds For Gold Industry, Hedging Tool For Jewellers In Volatile Market, Bullion Hallmarking – A Way Forward, Opportunity at IIBX, Consumer Insights: The Role of Gold Jewellery, Gold Outlook and Regulation Governing Bullion And Jewellery Market was also discussed.
Speakers for the conference included eminent personalities like Sachin Jain – World Gold Council, Sudheesh Nambiath – DMCC, Prof. Sundaravalli Narayanaswami – India Gold Policy Centre (IGPC), Harish Pawani – Bin Sabt Jewellery LLC, Dubai, Dr. Saurabh Gadgil – PNG Jewellers, PR Somasundaram – Industry Alumnus, D. K. Surana – Intensive Fiscal Services Private Limited, Ashok Gautam – India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Ltd (IIBX), Avinash Pahuja,- ORO Precious Metals Pvt. Ltd., Varghese Alukkas -Jos Alukkas, Ba.Ramesh – Thangamayil Jewellery Limited.
The most interesting discussion was in respect of the Regulation Governing Bullion and Jewellery Market looks at the gold industry. Sachin Jain – Regional CEO, India of World Gold Council explained about the Vision 2047 For Gold Industry.Shivanshu Mehta – SVP & Head-Bullion- Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX), Director, IIBX IFSC LTD explained Hedging Tool for Jewellers in Volatile Market
Elwin Jose – Head – Product Development, Strategy and Services – National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) explained the Pathway for Price Risk Management: Integration Bullion Spot & Derivatives Market. Ashok Gautam – MD & CEO- India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Ltd (IIBX) and Ajit Mauskar – Director, Market Infrastructure India and Middle East – World Gold Council explained the opportunity at IIBX. Kavita Chacko – Research Head, India- World Gold Council explained Consumer Insights: The Role of Gold Jewellery. Prithviraj Kothari- National President -India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. Stated that IBJA will continue to work for the benefit of industry bringing transparency to the entire trade.
IBJA has also launched initiatives such as the “IBJA Verified Tag” for Platinum Members to ensure their online accounts represent legitimate and authentic businesses or brands. IBJA is also working on a jewellers awareness campaign in the entire country by educating the jewellers through various webinar and seminar. IBJA will soon be launching an innovative programme to boost the skills of karigars. IBJA is also setting up a world class bullion refinery at Gift City, Gujrat. IBJA is also honouring jewellers for their CSR activity.
The event was also followed by The India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) awards recognizing excellence in the jewelry and bullion industries.
National News
Smuggled Gold Distorting India’s Bullion Market
Sharp Rise In Smuggled Gold, Driven Largely By The May 2026 Hike In Import Duty To 15%, Which Has Made The Grey Market Significantly Cheaper Than Legal Channels and Squeezed Legitimate Dealers and Jewellers
India’s bullion market is being skewed by a sharp rise in smuggled gold, driven largely by the May 2026 hike in import duty to 15%, which has made the grey market significantly cheaper than legal channels and squeezed legitimate dealers and jewellers.
Market distortion and price gap
- Smuggled gold is now selling at discounts of up to Rs 8,000 per 10 grams compared with official prices, creating a wide arbitrage that undercuts compliant traders.
- Industry executives warn that this price gap is a clear signal of an active grey market, disadvantaging genuine bullion dealers and organised jewellers who pay full duty and taxes.
Scale of illegal inflows
- Industry estimates suggest more than 100 tonnes of gold could enter India through illegal channels in 2026, echoing past surges in smuggling after earlier duty hikes.
- Despite the higher tariff, India’s gold import bill rose 24% to a record $71.9 billion in FY26, even as physical volumes fell to about 721 tonnes, indicating persistent demand being met partly via unofficial routes.
Enforcement response
- Revenue intelligence agencies, particularly the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), have intensified operations against organised smuggling networks using airports, land borders, coastal routes and domestic road transport
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