International News
The 2nd SEZ Gem and Jewellery Conclave
Conclave provided valuable insights in technology, branding, exports, SEZ policy
The Second SEZ Gem and Jewellery Conclave held at Bharatratnam Mega CFC in SEEPZ, Mumbai, brought together influential stakeholders from across the gem and jewellery sector to deliberate on industry growth, innovation, and policy advancements.The conclave provided valuable insights into the latest industry trends in technology, branding, exports.
The conclave was inaugurated by Dr P Anbalagan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra. Present at the inauguration were Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, Saunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Suvankar Sen, MD, Senco Gold & Diamonds, Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC, Colin Shah, Head of the Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC and Adil Kotwal, Director – SEEPZ GJ Manufacturers Association.

Dr. P Anbalagan in his inaugural address said “The Union and state governments aim to grow India’s economy from USD 3 trillion to USD 30 trillion, requiring double-digit growth across sectors, with Maharashtra as a key driver. As the state with the highest FDI, Maharashtra targets a USD 1 trillion economy in 4-5 years, needing 13-14% annual growth. We are looking at the GJ sector as generator of employment and employment.The employment intensive GJ sector will be cornerstone of Maharashtra becoming a $1 trillion economy.The GJ sector in Maharashtra is contributing 47 per cent of India’s GJ exports.”
Track 1 – Technology included: Platinum Group Metal Recycling , Dr Debashish Bhattacharya, Technical Director of Covalence, India, Casting, Stamping and Tubing in Platinum, Dr. Peter Hofmann, Chairman of INDUTHERM, Germany and Rakesh Jangid, Technical Director, Lagor India, 3D Printing of Precious Metal for Commercial Use-Dr Andrea Friso, R&D Head, Legor Italy ,Technology in Diamond Testing, Jayant Kulkarni , Partner ,SGL, Challenges in Identification of Lab Grown Diamonds by Deepa Srinivasa, Chief Gemmologist – Research & Development – GSI, India
Track 2 – Branding included: Redefining Businesses by Sachin Jain, Educator, LÉCOLE School of Jewellery Arts , Dubai, Revitalizing Diamond Desire by Amit Pratihari, Managing Director, De Beers.
Track 3 – Investments included: Booster to G&J Manufacturing by Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC ,Draft Report of Common SoP for SEZs by Nishant, Partner, ELP.
With key decision-makers in attendance, the conclave promises to be an influential platform for shaping the future of the sector.
International News
Middle East conflict halts India-UAE diamond trade
Industry leaders warn of prolonged caution in markets, with potential shifts to alternative routes like Hong Kong under scrutiny.
Iran has launched over 1,300 drones and 229 missiles at the UAE since February 28, 2026, in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that killed over 1,000 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. UAE air defenses intercepted most threats, but the attacks caused 3 deaths and 112 injuries, with debris damaging civilian areas.
Trade Dependencies
The UAE supplies more than two-thirds of India’s rough diamond imports, making it the dominant source for the country’s diamond processing industry. India, in turn, provides over 90% of the UAE’s polished diamond imports, underscoring the bilateral trade’s critical role in global diamond flows.
Logistics Breakdown
Nearly all flights between India and the UAE stand cancelled amid the conflict, except limited repatriation services, crippling air cargo routes. Daily diamond export parcels—typically 400 to 500 from India to UAE—have stopped entirely due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.
Industry Impact
Exports and imports from the Middle East have ground to a standstill, with no logistics available to move goods,
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), hub of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, shifted to remote operations and declined further comment on disruptions.
Broader Implications
The Middle East accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s $30 billion annual gems and jewellery exports, amplifying the economic fallout for Mumbai’s diamond trade ecosystem. Industry leaders warn of prolonged caution in markets, with potential shifts to alternative routes like Hong Kong under scrutiny.
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