Jewellery Exporters Focus On New FTAs And Markets As IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 Opens

The 42nd edition of IIJS Bharat Premiere opened today at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, with India’s gem and jewellery exporters benefiting from new free trade agreements with the UAE, Australia, Oman and the United Kingdom. Agreements with the European Union and New Zealand are still to follow.

The show 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 and President, GIA; and Mr. Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, SEZ Mumbai, among others.

The India–UK CETA came into force on 15 July and the India–Oman CEPA on 1 June. The exhibition, recognised as the world’s second-largest gem and jewellery B2B event, spans over 135,000 sq. metres across two venues, with more than 2,100 exhibitors in 3,600 stalls and an expected turnout of over 50,000 visitors.

IIJS Bharat Premiere 2026 runs at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, from 5 to 9 August, and at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO, Goregaon, from 6 to 10 August 2026. This year also marks 25 years of IIJS as India’s premier B2B gem and jewellery exhibition.

Running alongside the jewellery fair at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo has 249 exhibitors across 348 stalls. The machinery event is presenting manufacturing technology, automation, precision engineering, tools and equipment, reflecting the sector’s focus on technology-enabled production.

Shri Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Maharashtra has always been the heart of India’s gem and jewellery industry and pointed to the State’s Gem & Jewellery Policy 2025. Dr. Vijay Darda said the sector reflects India’s culture, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit, and that Indian brands should gain stronger international recognition.

Mr. Pritesh Patel said IIJS reflects India’s growing influence in the global industry, while Mr. Ananthanarayanan Hariharan said the show remains an important platform for reconnecting with partners and discovering fresh ideas. Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said IIJS has become one of the world’s most influential B2B exhibitions.

Mr. Bhansali also referred to the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying the proposed 15-year tax exemption for rough diamond sales through Special Notified Zones is a major reform. He said recent measures, including the hand-carriage facility, e-commerce export framework for MSMEs and artisans, and a Pre-Auction Diamond Viewing Event and Melee Auction at Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC under the FTWZ framework, are opening new opportunities.

The show also includes The Select Club, 20 Under 40, JewelStart Demo Day and Innov8 Talks, which will bring together global experts on diamonds, AI, technology, precious metals and other changes in the gem and jewellery business.