GJEPC Chairman Highlights Shared Legacy, Expanding Trade, and Future Collaboration Opportunities
Key Highlights
- GJEPC Chairman Shri Kirit Bhansali represented India at the India–Israel CEOs Forum on 20 November 2025 in Tel Aviv.
- Meeting held following his nomination by DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
- Bhansali met Israel’s Minister of Economy & Industry, Mr. Nir Barkat.
- Emphasised Israel’s historic role in the global diamond industry and its leadership within the Kimberley Process.
- Reported strong bilateral trade growth: 60% rise in imports from Israel and over 200% surge in India’s gold jewellery exports.
- Identified major future areas for collaboration including digital traceability, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, design innovation, and lab-grown diamonds.
Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, represented the Indian gem and jewellery industry at the India–Israel CEOs Forum held on 20th November 2025 at Hotel Dan Tel Aviv. His participation followed a formal nomination by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, to serve as one of India’s key industry representatives. During the visit, Bhansali also met Mr. Nir Barkat, Minister of Economy and Industry, Israel.
In his address to the forum, Bhansali underscored the long-standing and deeply intertwined relationship between India and Israel, founded on decades of collaboration in the global diamond trade. He acknowledged Israel’s historic and influential role as a cornerstone of the international diamond industry and reiterated that its leadership remains critical for ensuring global stability and sustained growth. He further expressed confidence that Israel will continue to take a proactive role within the Kimberley Process (KP), advancing ethical, transparent, and responsible trade practices.
Bhansali highlighted several positive indicators in bilateral trade, noting that imports from Israel grew by more than 60% in the April–September 2025 period. India’s gold jewellery exports to Israel also increased by over 200%, reflecting greater diversification beyond diamonds and providing improved trade stability for both nations.
Looking forward, he identified significant areas of opportunity for deeper collaboration, particularly in digital traceability, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, design innovation, and lab-grown diamond technology. Bhansali reaffirmed that the combined strengths of both countries—India’s manufacturing scale and craftsmanship coupled with Israel’s innovation and technological precision—are poised to shape a more resilient and future-ready gem and jewellery ecosystem.
