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.

Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, today inaugurated the 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO, Goregaon, highlighting the Indian gem and jewellery sector’s growing role in strengthening Brand India on the global stage.

Joining him as Guests of Honour were Paul Rowley, Executive Vice President, Diamond Trading, De Beers Group; K.P. Abdul Salam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group; and Lamon Rutten, Managing Director & CEO, India Gold Metaverse Pvt. Ltd.

Representing the GJEPC at both venues were Kirit Bhansali, Chairman; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director.

Government Backing for Industry Growth

Chirag Paswan said:

“The participation of delegates from nearly 80 countries at IIJS Bharat Premiere reflects the growing global confidence in India’s gems and jewellery industry. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government is committed to introducing reforms that strengthen ease of doing business, remove bottlenecks and create new opportunities for growth.As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the jewellery sector will play a vital role.

I urge the industry to uphold the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship so that ‘Made in India’ continues to earn the trust of consumers worldwide and strengthens Brand India’s global reputation.”

Chandrashekhar Bawankule said:

“Maharashtra has always been the heart of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and with the State’s dedicated Gem & Jewellery Policy 2025, we are creating an ecosystem that encourages investment, generates employment and strengthens the industry’s global competitiveness. The Government of Maharashtra remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry to make the state the preferred destination for gem and jewellery manufacturing, exports and innovation.”

Chairman’s message

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 long-term business partnerships. As India’s flagship jewellery show celebrates 25 years, IIJS today reflects the world’s confidence in Indian craftsmanship, manufacturing excellence, innovation and our growing leadership in global trade.”

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.”

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.

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.

I 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.

Celebrating 25 Years of IIJS as a B2B Show

Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of IIJS as a B2B show, the 42nd edition celebrates a remarkable journey that has transformed the exhibition into a globally recognised sourcing platform.

Over the years, IIJS has connected manufacturers, exporters, retailers and international buyers, while reinforcing India’s leadership in the global gem and jewellery trade.

A Global Sourcing Platform

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.