National News
Gem & Jewellery BSM 2025 :Fruitful partnerships and meaningful dialogue
GJEPCs Gem & Jewellery Buyer-Seller Meet 2025 commenced with an air of optimism and global camaraderie, setting the stage for fruitful partnerships and meaningful dialogue between Indian manufacturers and international buyers.
The event was inaugurated with a grand unveiling, paving the way for over 40 international buyers to engage in curated one-on-one business meetings with Indian jewellery manufacturers and exporters. The venue buzzed with activity as new connections were forged and long-standing business relationships were rekindled.
Among the notable international buyers. Lisi Fracchia from Spain, visiting India for the first time, expressed her delight at the overwhelming business prospects. Her experience at the BSM not only introduced her to new business avenues but also gave her the opportunity to reconnect with existing suppliers participating in the show.
Cloyette Harris Stoute, representing Alliyette, USA, is also making her maiden visit to India. Her objective of understanding India’s advanced jewellery manufacturing technology and the comprehensive supply chain process was met with great satisfaction. Deeply impressed by her interactions with exhibitors, she shared her enthusiasm about returning in the future.
On the domestic front, Hitesh Thakar, General Manager at Mohit Diamond Pvt. Ltd, reflected on the invaluable insights gained during his meetings. He noted that conversations with buyers revealed their strategic focus on brand expansion, opening up new opportunities for his company to scale their business and adapt to evolving global demand.
Priyank Shah of Walking Tree, participating as a first-time exhibitor, commended the event’s structured format. The carefully filtered buyer group enabled targeted interactions, resulting in serious inquiries from markets such as the USA, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and beyond—particularly for custom-made jewellery.
The first day concluded on a high note, with an atmosphere rich in collaboration and discovery. The meet not only reflected the strength of India’s jewellery sector but also its growing global appeal.
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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