National News
Union Budget 2026-27 Reaction by Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC
We thank the Government for a positive, growth-focused Budget that addresses key bottlenecks and gives fresh momentum to India’s gems and jewellery sector. It improves liquidity, supports manufacturing and strengthens exports across the value chain.
GJEPC welcomes the Union Budget’s transformative customs reforms, recommended for adoption. Trust-based processes, digital appraisals, and simplified clearances will slash delays and costs, accelerating business growth.
We also applaud the limited sales from SEZs to the Domestic Tariff Area at concessional duties. This will enable factories to utilize idle capacity, safeguard jobs, and strengthen trade amid US tariffs and global demand volatility.
The removal of the Rs.10 lakh cap on courier exports is a big boost for e-commerce, enabling MSMEs, artisans and small jewellery brands to reach global buyers directly, with smoother handling of returns and quicker turnaround.
Filing the Bill of Entry in advance for trusted importers will enable immediate clearance of goods on arrival, reducing waiting time at ports, speeding up deliveries and lowering logistics costs for exporters and manufacturers.
With MSMEs forming over 80% of our industry, measures such as the INR 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, INR 2,000 crore support for micro units and INR 7,00,000 crore liquidity through TReDS, along with stronger banks, restructuring NBFCs will ease credit and drive expansion.
Extending the duty deferment period for Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs) from 15 to 30 days and offering similar benefits to eligible manufacturers will improve cash flow, reduce compliance burden and enable faster, helping exporters move goods quicker and operate with greater ease.
Extending duty-free import of Lab-Grown Diamond (LGD) seeds and Sawn Diamonds till March 2028 is a timely and practical step. It keeps input costs low, supports production and exports, and safeguards a fast-growing segment where India already leads globally, helping secure the future of our industry.
Setting up a new National Institute of Design will strengthen design talent and innovation in the country. For the gems and jewellery sector, this means better product development, contemporary styling and stronger branding, helping Indian manufacturers move up the value chain and compete more effectively in global markets.
Overall, this Budget gives the right push for growth towards Viksit Bharat and moves us closer to our goal of scaling exports to $100 billion by 2047.
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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