JB Insights
WGC releases ‘India Gold Market – Reform and growth’
The World Gold Council (WGC) has published a new report titled ‘India Gold Market – Reform and growth’. The report explores the key factors that shape India’s gold demand and supply, as well as the challenges and opportunities for the future. The new report covers various aspects of India’s gold market, such as: The drivers of Indian gold demand, jewellery demand and trade, jewellery market structure, gold investment market and financialisation, bullion trade, gold refining and recycling, and gold mining in India.
In the report foreword, Juan Carlos Artigas, Global Head of Research, World Gold Council, said: “In 2017 we produced “India’s Gold Market – evolution and innovation’. A lot has changed since that report was published. This compendium of updated reports delves deeper into key factors that underpin India’s position as the second largest gold consumer in the world: it studies the drivers of gold demand and the perception of consumers; it examines the new investment landscape: and it considers the complex issue of gold supply.
“Few of the global events that have rocked societal and geopolitical stability could have been imagined when our 2017 report was published. That India has had to adapt is not surprising, but the rate at which change is happening in the country is, arguably, unprecedented.
“Despite – or perhaps because of – macroeconomic uncertainties, India’s population resolutely turns to gold. Weddings and festivals are key drivers of gold demand and the country is one of the world’s largest bar and coin markets. There is no doubt that gold retains prominence in the social and financial life of many Indians, both urban and rural.
“The years ahead will present challenges. But rather than thinking them onerous, we believe there is tremendous opportunity for gold. Regulation of India’s jewellery industry has already made huge strides in building consumer trusts. If new export markets can be developed, the current fragile platform – 90% of jewellery exports go to just five countries – will be diluted. More accessible banking offers a possibility to reach investors who have long understood gold’s safe-haven qualities but now find themselves negotiating a plethora of choice. And in the longer term, the Gold Monetisation Scheme, proposed legislative changes in the mining industry, and resolution of recycling traceability issues may reduce India’s reliance on imported gold.
“As we look ahead with optimism, the insights in this report will help us ensure that gold retains or even increases its relevance to India’s economy – generating further employment and continuing to play its roles as an adornment and an effective portfolio diversifier and hedge against inflation
JB Insights
PM Modi’s Appeal Sparks Wider Conversation Around Responsible Gold Consumption
Industry Voices Discuss Sustainability, Smarter Gold Utilisation, and Evolving Consumer Behaviour Amid Economic Uncertainty
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent remarks encouraging mindful spending and responsible gold consumption have triggered widespread discussions across India’s jewellery industry. The comments come at a time of heightened global economic uncertainty, rising crude oil prices, and increasing pressure on import-dependent sectors.
With gold continuing to remain one of India’s most culturally significant assets as well as a major import commodity, industry stakeholders are now exploring ways to balance consumer sentiment, economic stability, and long-term sustainability.
Leaders from across the gems and jewellery sector have largely viewed the remarks as an opportunity to encourage more efficient utilisation of existing gold resources, while also adapting to changing consumer preferences.
Prithviraj Kothari, Managing Director at RiddiSiddhi Bullions Ltd., President of India Bullion and Jewellers Association Ltd. and Chairman at Jain International Trade Organisation:
“The impact will be psychological, not structural. India’s 10–12 million annual weddings embed gold demand that is pre-committed and culturally non-negotiable — Akshaya Tritiya, Dhanteras, and wedding-season buying will not simply stop on a PM’s appeal. The PM’s words, however, may nudge discretionary buyers toward lighter jewellery, digital gold, and ETFs — formats that don’t trigger import demand. In FY26, India imported nearly $72 billion worth of gold — a record high. Global cues — Iran-US tensions, crude oil, and the dollar — will dominate price direction. The appeal is a signal of macro seriousness, not a market-moving policy lever.”
Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), said:
“India’s economic strength must always come before individual preferences. The Hon’ble Prime Minister’s appeal reflects larger concerns around imports and foreign exchange reserves. At the same time, India already possesses thousands of tonnes of idle household gold. The solution may not lie only in reducing demand, but also in unlocking the immense value of existing gold through a transparent and regulated Gold Monetisation Scheme.”
According to GJC, a revitalised and jeweller-integrated Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) could help:
- Mobilise idle household gold
- Reduce import dependence
- Strengthen the formal economy
- Improve transparency and traceability
- Convert dormant gold into productive national capital
Avinash Gupta, Vice Chairman, GJC, added:
“Gold has always been emotionally and culturally connected to Indian households. Respecting the Prime Minister’s vision for national interest, the industry believes that a robust and regulated Gold Monetisation Scheme can become a long-term solution for India. The answer lies not only in consuming less gold, but in utilising existing gold more efficiently, transparently and productively.”
Industry experts also highlighted how evolving consumer choices are already reshaping jewellery buying patterns, particularly among younger generations seeking lighter, versatile, and value-conscious options.
Suvankar Sen, MD & CEO, Senco Gold & Diamonds, noted:
“The sharp decline in gold imports for jewellery consumption reflects both changing consumer behaviour and industry adaptation. With nearly 20,000 tonnes of gold lying idle within the Indian economy, there is a strong need for the Government and industry stakeholders to work together to mobilise this dormant asset.”
He further added that the industry is adapting through lower-weight and lower-carat jewellery products to maintain affordability and accessibility for consumers.
Meanwhile, Visshnupriya Singh, CEO, Svariya, pointed toward the growing demand for demi-fine jewellery among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on mindful gold buying have sparked an important shift toward smarter and more practical consumer choices. While gold will always hold cultural and emotional value in India, millennials and Gen Z are increasingly choosing jewellery that balances elegance, versatility, and affordability.”
She added:
“This growing preference is driving demand for demi-fine jewellery, where consumers can enjoy premium design and craftsmanship without making heavy investment purchases. At Svariya, we believe modern luxury today is defined by individuality, everyday wearability, and smart style choices.”
Despite ongoing discussions around consumption patterns and imports, industry observers believe gold’s emotional and cultural relevance in India — especially during weddings, festivals, and family celebrations — remains deeply rooted. At the same time, the conversation has opened new avenues around responsible consumption, sustainable growth, gold recycling, and smarter utilisation of existing resources within the Indian jewellery ecosystem.
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