National News
Meerut Bullion Traders seek GJEPC support for proposed jewellery park
A delegation from the Meerut Bullion Traders Association (MBTA) met Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, on the sidelines of IIJS Bharat Signature 2026 at the Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), Mumbai, on 11th January 2026, to advance discussions on setting up a Jewellery Park in Meerut.
The delegation included Vijay Anand Agarwal, General Secretary, MBTA; Pradeep Agarwal, President, MBTA; Sandeep Agarwal, Vice President, MBTA; and Deepak Johri, General Secretary, National Institute of Jewellery Technology (NIJT), Meerut. Building on earlier engagements with GJEPC, the association outlined Meerut’s scale as a major bullion and jewellery cluster, supporting an estimated 30,000 artisans and over 5,000 jewellers, wholesalers and allied businesses, largely operating in the unorganised sector.
During the meeting, the association reiterated the need for a structured Jewellery Park to help the cluster transition towards organised manufacturing, modern machinery and compliance-driven growth. The delegation noted that the Meerut Development Authority has identified and reserved around 36,000 square metres of land for the proposed park, though pricing and policy approvals remain key challenges.
The delegation highlighted Meerut’s strategic advantages, including its location within the NCR, proximity to Delhi, access to rapid transport links, and a strong existing tax base. They cited significant GST contributions from the local jewellery trade as evidence of the cluster’s economic weight and growth potential.
GJEPC leadership advised a structured approach, emphasising the importance of an updated feasibility study and a robust Detailed Project Report (DPR) backed by credible agencies. Bhansali and Ray shared insights from the development of Jewellery Parks in Maharashtra, underlining how data-driven planning and coordinated engagement with state governments can accelerate approvals and execution.
The meeting concluded with an understanding that GJEPC would guide the association on next steps, including technical inputs, documentation and engagement frameworks, to strengthen the proposal before it is taken up with the Uttar Pradesh government. The association also sought GJEPC’s support in skill development initiatives for Meerut’s artisan base and greater regional representation at upcoming GJEPC-led trade shows.
National News
India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 In Mumbai
Kimberley Process Meeting Focuses On Monitoring, Compliance and Sustainable Diamond Trade
The Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 commenced in Mumbai under India’s Chairship. The meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, 2026, has brought together representatives from Kimberley Process Participants, Observers, and industry stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on key issues related to the global trade in natural diamonds.
Addressing the gathering, KP Chair 2026, Suchindra Misra, stated that the Kimberley Process has played an important role in supporting peace, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing nations. He emphasised the need to further strengthen trust in the system, enhance cooperation among participants, and ensure that the Kimberley Process remains relevant and effective in a changing global environment.
He also highlighted that natural diamonds represent a sustainable product and that the Kimberley Process continues to remain one of the most progressive certification systems globally.
The Intersessional Meeting will include discussions and meetings of various Working Groups and Committees over the coming days. The deliberations will focus on implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), monitoring and compliance mechanisms, artisanal and alluvial diamond production, statistics, and measures aimed at strengthening trust in the natural diamond value chain. The proceedings of the Intersessional Meeting will continue till May 14, 2026.
The meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for Participants and Observers to exchange views on emerging challenges and collaborative approaches for enhancing consumer confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds.
Senior officials of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, representatives from Kimberley Process Participants, members of the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition members, and other stakeholders are participating in the Intersessional Meeting.
Quote attributed to Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC :
“India today stands at the heart of the global natural diamond industry, not only as the world’s largest cutting and polishing center, but also as one of the fastest-growing diamond jewellery markets globally. As an industry, we remain committed to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting transparency, and working together with global stakeholders to ensure that natural diamonds continue to remain a symbol of trust, aspiration, and shared prosperity across the world.
GJEPC, as co-organizer of the Intersessional under India’s Kimberley Process Chairship, is pleased to support this important global platform that will help strengthen confidence, enhance compliance, and reinforce the credibility of the global diamond ecosystem.”
India’s Chairship theme for 2026 focuses on the 3Cs — credibility, compliance, and consumer confidence in the natural diamond sector, with emphasis on strengthening the future of responsibly sourced natural diamonds through constructive dialogue and international collaboration.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 (2000), is an international initiative aimed at preventing the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate diamond trade. At present, the Kimberley Process has 60 Participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its Member States participating as a single bloc.
India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening responsible sourcing, transparency, and sustainability in the global diamond sector. As one of the world’s leading centres for diamond cutting and polishing, India continues to play an important role in advancing the objectives of the Kimberley Process.
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