Export Optimism as IIJS Pulls in 50,000 Visitors

(IDEX Online) - The IIJS Bharat-Premiere 2026 wrapped up in Mumbai on Sunday (9 August), against what was described as the "most favorable trade backdrop" the Indian gem and jewelry sector has ever seen.

The world's second biggest B2B show (after JCK) drew more than 50,000 trade visitors, 2,100 exhibitors and 2,700 international buyers from over 80 countries.

It took place in a mood of optimism, as an unprecedented set of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and policy reforms begin to reshape export access for Indian jewelers.

Last week, a bill to introduce 15‑year tax exemptions for certain rough‑diamond sales through Special Notified Zones (SNZs) cleared its first parliamentary hurdle.

That would be a landmark move towards developing India as a trading hub.

In addition, the sector is benefiting from a wave of trade liberalization agreements (either actual or future) with the UK, Oman, Australia and New Zealand.

Together, these measures are described by GJEPC and industry leaders as creating the most favorable trade environment in the sector's history, with zero‑duty or reduced‑duty access to key markets and a clear path to attract rough supply directly into India.

The IIJS show was held across two venues - Jio World Convention Centre (JWCC), BKC (5-9 August) and Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO (6-10 August) bringing together manufacturers, exporters, retailers and international buyers under one roof.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message released ahead of the show, said: "Our government is committed to positioning India as a global hub for design, manufacturing and trade in the gems and jewellery sector."

He added that targeted policy measures include boosting MSMEs, indigenous manufacturing of lab‑grown diamonds, enhancing Ease of Doing Business through improved access to finance, promoting digital adoption and encouraging skill development.

Pics by Erez Rivlin show the IIJS Bharat-Premiere 2026.