News
IGJS Jaipur 2025 bolsters global connections amidst mounting trade challenges
Against a backdrop of mounting trade challenges, India’s gem and jewellery exporters gathered in Jaipur for the International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) 2025, an exclusive export-focused event organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). Held from April 3 to 5, the show drew 50 of India’s leading exporters and more than 180 international buyers from 28 countries, reinforcing Jaipur’s status as a pivotal hub in the global jewellery trade.
The show, hosted at the Novotel Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, spotlighted the city’s long-standing reputation for integrated craftsmanship — where stone-cutting and jewellery manufacturing coexist within the same business ecosystem. For many international buyers, this “one-stop-shop” model remains a key draw.
Still, the atmosphere wasn’t without tension. The recent imposition of U.S. tariffs — ranging between 26% and 27% on Indian jewellery exports — loomed large over business discussions. Exporters expressed concern over the long-term implications for price-sensitive markets like the United States, which has traditionally been a top destination for Indian jewellery.
“Tariffs were the biggest talking point on the floor,” said one Jaipur-based exporter. “We’re now discussing cost-sharing models with our U.S. partners, looking to absorb the blow across the supply chain — from exporters to retailers to end consumers.”
Repeat buyers remained a bright spot, with several exhibitors reporting continued interest and steady orders from long-standing clients. But many acknowledged a pressing need to attract larger retail chain buyers, particularly as global trade routes shift.
In response to the evolving trade landscape, exporters are eyeing alternative markets such as Dubai and Saudi Arabia, regions with strong demand and more favorable trade terms. Industry stakeholders also pointed to the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) as a promising channel for diversifying export destinations.
Despite challenges, the sentiment remained broadly optimistic. The GJEPC announced plans to significantly scale the show in 2026, targeting over 500 global buyers and more than 150 exhibitors, a move intended to elevate the show’s global standing and deepen its influence in the international marketplace.
At its core, IGJS Jaipur 2025 underscored themes of resilience, adaptability, and strategic collaboration — with industry players focused on navigating shifting trade dynamics while continuing to showcase the strength of Indian craftsmanship.
- Event marks 42 years of Incorporation and 16 years of Operations
- Recently-appointed Consul-General’s first visit to the Bourse helps strengthen a century-old bond
- Long service awards presented to outstanding employees
Bharat Diamond Bourse today marked 42 years of incorporation and 16 years since the commencement of operations at the BDB Complex in BKC with a special programme graced by H. E. Pierre Stverlynck – Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai as Chief Guest and a number of leading diamantaires.
The function was organised to celebrate the crucial roles played both by the visionaries who conceptualised the need for a centralised infrastructure to boost the diamond trade over four decades ago, and the employees who have run the daily operations in a highly efficient and professional manner.
In his Welcome Address, BDB Vice President, Mehul Shah explained the significance of celebrating twin milestones – 42 years of incorporation and 16 years of operations. He said:
“BDB began with a vision and is now the world’s largest operational bourse, and a symbol of India’s leadership in the diamond world and excellence in every aspect of operations.”
He added, “It is significant that the Consul General of Belgium is with us on this special occasion. Antwerp and Mumbai have a very close relationship, going back more than 100 years. Today the two cities have bonds based on trust, trade and friendship. We are committed to strengthening this bond over the next century as well.”
Congratulating the awardees he said that members may be the owners, but it is the staff who run the complex and have helped build it as the “best of the best” centres for diamonds. “Personal integrity combined with hi-tech surveillance have made BDB one of the safest places in the world,” he explained, and urged all present never to forget that “it is the soldiers who fight and win the wars.” Mr Shah offered compliments to all the awardees and congratulated Team BDB.
Speaking on the occasion, Anoop Mehta, President BDB, welcomed Mr Stverlynck who has recently assumed charge as Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai.
“We are sure that this will be the first of many visits to our Bourse,” he said, noting that the Consulate is the nearest neighbour of the complex.
“The BDB leadership has always enjoyed a very special relationship with the Belgian consulate,” he added, “built on the longstanding bonds between the diamond industry in our two countries.”
Mr Mehta said it was heartening that so many employees had remained loyal to the BDB for multiple years, and urged all gathered to reach out through their department heads to put forward suggestions for further changes and improvements
Mr Stverlynck, who was on his first visit to the Bourse after assuming charge as Consul General, said he was extremely impressed with the facilities available for exporters within the complex. Assuring the trade of cooperation and support, he said he was happy to be personally present to celebrate such a remarkable institution as BDB that has become a key pillar of the India diamond industry.
Congratulating the leadership for its role in steering the bourse, as well as those employees who had received long service awards, Mr. Stverlynck said:
“The consolidated knowledge and experience of so many from those at the top to a number of others who contributed in various ways, is an asset to the industry.”
Special long service awards were presented to employees who completed special milestones during the year. These included 30-year, 25-, 15-, 10- and 5-year service awards to a few employees.
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