Brilliant Bharat: IIJS Premiere 2025 drives billions in export business amid policy boosts

The 41st edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) marked its biggest-ever edition, reaffirming its status as the country’s most prominent B2B gem and jewellery trade show, organised by The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). With the theme “Brilliant Bharat,” IIJS 2025 aimed to generate billions in export business, fuelled by favourable policy developments such as the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and the anticipated India-US bilateral trade agreement.

Chief Guest Shri Rahul Narvekar, Hon. Speaker of the Maharashtra State Legislative Assembly, inaugurated the world’s second-largest gem and jewellery B2B show at the JIO World Convention Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

Shri Kirit Bhansali (Chairman, GJEPC), Shri Shaunak Parikh (Vice Chairman), Shri Nirav Bhansali (Convener - National Exhibitions), and Shri Sabyasachi Ray (Executive Director), along with the Committee of Administration, welcomed dignitaries including Mr. Pavel Marynichev, CEO of ALROSA, and Mr. Ajoy Chawla, CEO - Jewellery Division and acting MD of Titan Company Ltd.

Themed “Brilliant Bharat – Architecture of India,” IIJS Premiere 2025 took place from July 30 to August 3 at the JIO World Convention Centre, and from July 31 to August 4 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Goregaon, Mumbai.

Spanning 135,000 sq. m. (1.45 million sq. ft.), the exhibition surpassed comparable shows in the West. With over 3,600 stalls and 2,100 exhibitors, it attracted more than 50,000 visitors from 1,300 Indian cities and over 3,000 international buyers from 80+ countries.

One of this year’s highlights was The Select Club – a dedicated couture section featuring 118 exhibitors showcasing exquisite high-end jewellery. This exclusive area was located at Jasmine Hall, 3rd floor, JIO World Convention Centre.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Rahul Narvekar said, “The gem and jewellery business is close to my heart, having its roots in Zaveri Bazaar, Dagina Bazaar and Dhanji Street — all part of my Colaba constituency. IIJS by GJEPC reflects the phenomenal growth and global impact of India’s gem and jewellery sector. With one of the world’s largest youth populations, India is a key market to watch.”

Mr. Kirit Bhansali remarked, “The Government of India’s proactive trade diplomacy, under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, opened unprecedented opportunities for the industry. FTAs with the UAE and Australia have shown tangible gains, and the India–UK FTA is set to double our bilateral trade with the UK to $7 billion in three years. This is the time for Indian jewellers to think global and act bold.”

He added, “IIJS continues to grow year on year. This edition was projected to drive business worth ₹70,000 crore over the next quarter—a clear indicator of India’s rising stature in the global gem and jewellery market.”

Mr. Ajoy Chawla of Titan said, “Tanishq’s growth mirrored the evolution of India’s gem and jewellery industry. The sector has benefited from entrepreneurial drive and policy support. Moving forward, jewellers must leverage India’s 5,000-year-old heritage to spark global aspiration. Our exporters should take pride in our design roots—comparable to Turkey, Italy, or Bangkok—and adopt sustainable practices. A regulatory framework is also essential to deliver world-class quality and service.”

Mr. Shaunak Parikh noted, “IIJS offered a powerful platform for business connections, welcoming over 15 international delegations and 3,000 overseas visitors. Initiatives like IJEX in Dubai have already helped several companies establish international offices. Meanwhile, the Innov8 seminar created a quieter space for networking among young entrepreneurs and family businesses.”

Mr. Nirav Bhansali added, “Sustainability was central to this year’s show. We powered the event with 100% green energy, banned single-use materials, and planted over 200,000 trees. We’re not just building a trade show—we’re setting a global benchmark for green exhibitions.”

He also mentioned plans to announce a timeline for IIJS to become fully carbon-neutral—potentially by 2030 or 2032—through a mix of tree planting, rainwater harvesting, and carbon offset initiatives.

IIJS Premiere 2025 showcased a diverse range of products: diamond, gemstone and studded jewellery, gold and gold CZ jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, silver jewellery and artefacts, high-end couture jewellery, colour gemstones, as well as machinery, technology, and allied industries.