Mumbai, August 5, 2026: The 42nd IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026, India’s flagship B2B gem and jewellery exhibition, was inaugurated at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai, by Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, marking the commencement of one of the world’s largest and most influential gem and jewellery trade shows.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha; Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery; Pritesh Patel, President & CEO, GIA; and Dnyaneshwar Patil, IAS, Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, along with leading dignitaries from the gem and jewellery industry.

Representing the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) were Kirit Bhansali, Chairman; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director; and Anil Virani, Member, Committee of Administration (CoA).

Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of IIJS, the 42nd edition celebrates a remarkable journey that has transformed the exhibition into a globally recognised sourcing platform, connecting manufacturers, exporters, retailers and international buyers while reinforcing India’s leadership in the global gem and jewellery trade.

Kirit Bhansali

Addressing the gathering, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, outlined an ambitious vision for the industry’s future, stating that while the past 25 years established India as a global manufacturing hub, the next 25 years must position the country as a global leader in gem and jewellery business. He highlighted the importance of innovation, technology, artificial intelligence, brand building and world-class infrastructure in driving the sector’s next phase of growth.

Bhansali also welcomed the introduction of the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill, 2026, which proposes a 15-year tax exemption on rough diamond sales through India’s Special Notified Zone. He described the measure as a transformative reform that will strengthen India’s emergence as a global diamond trading hub by enabling international mining companies and traders to bring rough diamonds directly to India.

Highlighting the opportunities created by India’s expanding network of Free Trade Agreements and landmark infrastructure projects such as the India Gem & Jewellery Park and Bharat Diamond Mega CFC, he reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to achieving US$100 billion in gem and jewellery exports by 2047, aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 showcases an extensive range of jewellery, gemstones, machinery, technology and allied products from leading manufacturers across the country. With strong participation from domestic and international buyers, the exhibition is expected to generate significant business opportunities, strengthen global partnerships and further consolidate India’s position as a preferred global sourcing destination for gems and jewellery.

The grand inauguration set the tone for another milestone edition of IIJS, underscoring the industry’s confidence, resilience and collective vision for sustainable growth, innovation and global leadership.