IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 Opens as New FTAs Expand Global Opportunities for Indian Jewellery Exporters

Key Highlights

IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 opens in Mumbai with over 2,100 exhibitors across 3,600 stalls.
More than 50,000 visitors and 2,700+ international buyers from 80+ countries are expected.
New FTAs with the UK, UAE, Australia and Oman are creating fresh export opportunities.
Parliament has introduced a Bill proposing a 15-year tax exemption for rough diamond sales through Special Notified Zones.
IIJS celebrates 25 years as India’s flagship B2B jewellery exhibition.
IGJME 2026 features 249 exhibitors showcasing advanced jewellery manufacturing technologies.
GJEPC says India is moving towards becoming a global rough diamond trading hub.

India’s gem and jewellery industry has entered one of its most promising phases for global trade as IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 opened in Mumbai against the backdrop of multiple Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and major policy reforms that are creating fresh opportunities for exporters and manufacturers.

The opening of India’s flagship B2B gem and jewellery exhibition comes at a time when recently implemented trade agreements with the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Australia and Oman, along with upcoming agreements with the European Union and New Zealand, are reshaping global market access for Indian jewellery exporters. With reduced trade barriers and preferential access to key international markets, the industry’s export outlook has strengthened considerably.

Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule inaugurating IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, alongside GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali and industry leaders.

Adding further momentum, Parliament has introduced the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing a 15-year tax exemption on rough diamond sales through India’s Special Notified Zones (SNZs). If implemented, the reform is expected to significantly strengthen India’s ambition of becoming a global rough diamond trading hub by enabling international mining companies and traders to bring rough diamonds directly to India for trading and sourcing.

The 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere was inaugurated by Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha; Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery; Mr. Pritesh Patel, CEO & President, GIA; Mr. Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ; along with Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Anil Virani, Convener – Accounts & Finance, GJEPC; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

Spread across more than 135,000 square metres at the Jio World Convention Centre and Bombay Exhibition Centre, the exhibition features over 2,100 exhibitors, 3,600 stalls, and is expected to welcome more than 50,000 trade visitors, including 2,700+ international buyers from over 80 countries. This year also marks 25 years of IIJS as India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition.

Running alongside IIJS Bharat Premiere is the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) 2026, which features 249 exhibitors across 348 stalls, showcasing advanced jewellery manufacturing technologies, automation, precision engineering, machinery and equipment that support India’s growing focus on technology-driven manufacturing.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Hon’ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Maharashtra, said:

“Maharashtra has always been the heart of India’s gem and jewellery industry, and with the State’s dedicated Gem & Jewellery Policy 2025, we are creating an ecosystem that encourages investment, generates employment and strengthens the industry’s global competitiveness. The Government of Maharashtra remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the industry to make the state the preferred destination for gem and jewellery manufacturing, exports and innovation.”

Dr. Vijay Darda, Former Member of Rajya Sabha, said:

“India’s gem and jewellery industry is much more than a business—it is a reflection of our rich culture, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. While India has earned global recognition as a manufacturing powerhouse, the next step is to build world-class Indian jewellery brands that command trust and admiration across international markets. With our unmatched artistry, adoption of technology and continued support from the Government, I am confident that India’s gem and jewellery exports can achieve far greater milestones in the years ahead.”

Mr. Pritesh Patel, CEO and President, GIA, said:

“IIJS Premiere reflects India’s growing influence in the global gem and jewellery industry. Every year, it brings together craftsmanship, innovation and international collaboration under one roof. GIA is proud to support this remarkable platform that continues to shape the future of our industry. As consumer expectations evolve, trust, transparency and education become more important than ever. India is not only a global manufacturing powerhouse but also an emerging hub of innovation, talent and leadership. Together, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build a future rooted in integrity, confidence and lasting value for consumers around the world.”

Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, CEO, Damas Jewellery, said:

“IIJS continues to demonstrate India’s remarkable strength in jewellery design, craftsmanship, and innovation. For Damas, it remains an invaluable platform to reconnect with trusted partners, discover fresh inspiration, and strengthen long-standing relationships. As consumer expectations evolve, our industry must lead through creativity, deeper customer understanding, and collaboration. India has the talent, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future of the global jewellery business, and IIJS is central to that journey.”

Addressing the gathering, Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:

“IIJS Bharat Premiere has evolved into one of the world’s most influential B2B gem and jewellery exhibitions. It is where the global jewellery industry comes together to source, collaborate, discover new trends and build long-term business partnerships. As India’s flagship jewellery show celebrates 25 years, IIJS today reflects the world’s confidence in Indian craftsmanship, manufacturing excellence, innovation and our growing leadership in global trade.”

Speaking about the introduction of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Shri Bhansali added:

“The proposed 15-year tax exemption for rough diamond sales through India’s Special Notified Zones is a landmark reform for our industry. For decades, India has cut and polished the world’s diamonds without ever trading them. That is now set to change. Global mining companies and traders will bring their rough directly to India, enabling our manufacturers to source at the origin with better access, greater choice and competitive pricing. India will no longer be known only as the place where diamonds are made. India is poised to become a global hub where diamonds are bought and sold.”

Reflecting on 25 years of IIJS Bharat Premiere, Shri Bhansali said:

“If the last 25 years established India as a global manufacturing hub, the next 25 years must establish India as a global leader in the gem and jewellery business.”

He further noted that new FTAs, the nationwide hand-carriage facility for jewellery exports, the e-commerce export framework for MSMEs and artisans, and India’s first Pre-Auction Diamond Viewing Event and Melee Auction under the FTWZ framework are creating a new era of opportunities for exporters.

“These reforms have created new opportunities. We must create demand for Indian jewellery, build globally recognised Indian brands, and strengthen Brand India across every major market.”

Beyond business sourcing, IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 also features The Select Club, 20 Under 40, JewelStart Demo Day, and Innov8 Talks, bringing together global experts to discuss the future of diamonds, artificial intelligence, jewellery technology, precious metals and emerging trends shaping the industry.