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Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi attends GJS to celebrate 25 years of gold jewellery hallmarking in India
Announces Hackathon for non-destructive testing in collaboration with BIS and GJC
The Indian gems and jewellery industry witnessed a momentous occasion as Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, graced the prestigious GJS at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The event also marked the 25th anniversary of hallmarking of gold in India, a significant milestone in ensuring quality, transparency, and consumer trust in the industry. The show is organised by the apex industry All India Gem & Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) and scheduled from 4th to 7th April 2025.
Addressing the gathering, Pralhad Joshi applauded the efforts of jewellers in adopting hallmarking, which has played a crucial role in protecting consumer interests while strengthening India’s position as a trusted market for gold jewellery. He highlighted the government’s commitment to further streamlining hallmarking regulations to make compliance easier for jewellers and beneficial for consumers. Prominent jewellers and trade representatives took the stage to celebrate the success of hallmarking, reflecting on how the initiative has safeguarded buyers and boosted India’s exports in the global jewellery market.
The event saw participation from leading jewellers, industry stakeholders, and international visitors, making it a highly successful gathering.

Pralhad Joshi remarked, “Indian Gems & Jewellery industry has been a cornerstone of our nation’s heritage and will continue to drive the economic progress. There are 650 + owned and accredited Laboratories of BIS, and it has reached every corner of the nation to focus in ensuring quality products are given to the consumers. It is imperative that we develop the system to ensure there are no misuses of HUID and collectively with joint efforts from all stakeholders, we also focus on increasing the Assaying Hallmarking Centres (AHC) across India. Currently 361 districts are covered in the mandatory regime and let us jointly target to reach 500 districts this year. We firmly believe in Honourable Prime Minister’s vision of ease of business and the Ministry is willing to provide its full support to the industry and I am happy to announce that BIS in collaboration with GJC is launching National Hackathon to invite innovative and practical solutions to develop scalable, cost-effective & non-destructive testing for the gold jewellery.”
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, GJC, remarked, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that we welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, to this grand occasion. Your presence reflects the government’s continued support for our industry, and we deeply thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to join us. We, as an industry, take immense pride in our transparency and the legacy of trust that our gold, vouched for by generations, represents. Today, we look forward to the government recognizing us with a fresh perspective—as a trading community with a positive attitude and a vision to make hallmarking mandatory across the nation. Honourable Minister’s announcement of Hackathon today marks a new chapter in our journey, and we are extremely positive about the future. Together, we will continue to uphold purity, trust, and innovation for a brighter tomorrow.”


Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, commented, “On behalf of the GJC and the entire G&J Industry, we express our heartfelt gratitude to Shri Pralhad Joshi for celebrating 25 years of gold hallmarking in India with his esteemed presence at our exhibition GJS. His presence highlights the transformation of the Gem & Jewellery industry into a trusted and well-structured sector. We deeply appreciate his announcement of the groundbreaking hackathon with GJC and BIS, aimed at developing non-destructive testing for hallmarking jewellery. This initiative will revolutionize the industry, enhancing efficiency and consumer confidence. His support inspires us to make India a global leader in the Gems & Jewellery sector. Thank you for your invaluable contributions toward a brighter future.”
Saiyam Mehra, Convenor, GJS, said, “It is my distinct honour to welcome Shri Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Minister of New & Renewable Energy, to the grand occasion of GJS 2025. This is truly a special moment for the 7th edition of GJS as we celebrate the 25 years of hallmarking in India with the Honourable Minister. As we move forward, this milestone reminds us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values of purity and trust, ensuring continued prosperity for both jewellers and consumers.”

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230+ International Buyers Visit IGJS Jaipur 2026 Amid Evolving Global Geopolitical Scenario
Strong Global Turnout Reinforces India’s Position As A Trusted Sourcing Hub Despite Ongoing Trade Uncertainties
The International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) Jaipur 2026, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), is currently underway in Jaipur from April 9 to 11, 2026, bringing together leading Indian manufacturers and global buyers under one roof.
Recognised as a highly curated, business-focused platform, IGJS continues to strengthen India’s position as a preferred sourcing destination for the global gem and jewellery trade.
This edition of IGJS Jaipur features 85 companies across 110 booths, with participation from over 230 international buyers representing 30 countries, including the USA, UK, Europe, Latin America, Oceania, MENA, Russia, and the CIS region.

The show was inaugurated by Sanjay Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Customs Preventive, New Delhi, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including R. K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs, Jaipur; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), GJEPC; Vijay Mangukiya, Convener – International Exhibitions, GJEPC; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Gupta, Chief Commissioner of Customs, Customs Preventive, New Delhi, said,

“I am happy to see that GJEPC is playing a pivotal role in strengthening Brand India on the global stage. Platforms like IGJS not only showcase the depth of India’s manufacturing capabilities but also build confidence among international buyers. As Customs, our commitment is clear—we will continue to facilitate trade, simplify processes, and support the industry in its growth journey.”
R. K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs, Jaipur, Said, “Customs is not only a regulator—we are also facilitators of trade. Our focus is on enabling ease of doing business and supporting the growth of the industry. We appreciate GJEPC’s efforts in organising IGJS, which brings global buyers and Indian manufacturers together on a strong platform.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Said:
“At a time when the global trade environment is impacted by geopolitical uncertainties, the strong participation of over 230 international buyers reflects the continued trust in India as a reliable sourcing partner. IGJS is a focused platform that brings together the strength of Indian manufacturing and the confidence of global buyers, helping build resilient supply chains and long-term business relationships.”

Highlighting Jaipur’s importance, Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), GJEPC, said,

“Jaipur offers a unique and integrated ecosystem for the gem and jewellery industry—from sourcing and manufacturing to certification and trade—all within close proximity. IGJS Jaipur reflects this strength and presents an opportunity for global buyers to engage deeply with India’s capabilities.”
Simon Benney, CEO & Owner, House of Benney and Royal Warrant holder as Goldsmith to His Majesty King Charles, said:
“Bringing the industry together under the India-UK FTA framework, with zero tariffs, creates a clear advantage for both sides. It removes a key cost barrier and encourages wider participation across manufacturers, cutters and polishers. What stands out here is the exceptional level of Indian craftsmanship, particularly the precision in settings, the quality of finishing, and the high standard of enamel work. The attention to detail is consistently strong, even on close inspection. Overall, highly impressive and a strong signal for increased bilateral trade in jewellery.”

Esmarie Du Plooy of Eco Chic Jewellery, South Africa, said:

“India offers far more than expected. I’ve discovered designers experimenting with new materials, metals and surface finishes, and creating fastening mechanisms that feel original and fresh. There is strong potential to collaborate, combining my design approach with Indian craftsmanship to develop something distinctive. I am particularly interested in sourcing gemstones and working with partners here. My design philosophy centres on merging old and new, upcycling heirloom pieces with contemporary elements to create something meaningful and unique.”
In FY 2024–25, India’s gem and jewellery sector remained a key contributor to the economy, with exports of $28.7 billion, accounting for nearly 7% of India’s merchandise exports.
IGJS Jaipur offers international buyers a comprehensive sourcing platform across categories, including diamond and studded jewellery, gold, silver, coloured gemstones, and lab-grown diamonds – enabling direct interaction with India’s leading manufacturers.
At a time when global trade is navigating shifts in supply chains and consumer demand, IGJS provides a reliable and efficient platform to build partnerships and explore new opportunities.
Beyond flagship initiatives like IGJS, GJEPC continues to drive India’s global outreach through a wide spectrum of domestic and international platforms. The Council hosts its marquee IIJS exhibitions – IIJS Premiere, IIJS Signature, and IIJS Tritiya – which are among the largest jewellery shows in the world, attracting buyers from across key global markets. Internationally, GJEPC actively promotes Indian manufacturers through India Pavilions at leading trade shows such as JCK Las Vegas, Vicenzaoro, and major exhibitions across Hong Kong and the Middle East, while also organising focused Buyer-Seller Meets (BSMs) in emerging and high-potential markets. Strategic initiatives like IJEX in Dubai provide a year-round sourcing platform for global buyers, while new ventures such as SAJEX in Saudi Arabia are opening fresh opportunities in the rapidly growing Middle East region. Through these sustained efforts, GJEPC continues to expand market access, strengthen trade relationships, and position India as a trusted global hub for gem and jewellery sourcing.
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