The Indian jewellery industry is gearing up for the IIJS Bharat – Premier 2026, a show that is expected to be one of the largest editions ever. Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of the GJEPC, outlined the strategy for the show, export growth, and industry priorities in a recent conversation.
Expanding the Show’s Scale and Ambition
The redevelopment at the NESCO venue has created some disruption, but the GJEPC has turned it into an opportunity to create more product-centric sections. The main objective is to provide the best possible experience for buyers, with a focus on consolidating product categories into single or fewer halls.
This change allows for easier navigation, ensuring buyers can move through different categories with much more efficiency. They have worked on creating a better experience for buyers, which is expected to drive growth in the industry.
Addressing Concerns and Expectations
Some exhibitors have expressed concerns regarding potential footfall issues due to the venue reshuffle. However, the GJEPC has taken measures to address these concerns, including conducting Retail Connect programmes in 16 cities across India.
Visitor registrations are already up by 15% compared to the same period last year, and the GJEPC expects multiple global delegations to attend the show. It is expected to drive strong footfall and provide a boost to the industry.
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The India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) runs alongside IIJS, and the strategy behind pairing these two distinct segments is to provide a captive audience for machinery exhibitors and a convenient way for jewellery manufacturers to explore new technology and innovation.
Aiming for $100 Billion in Exports
The GJEPC acts as a critical intermediary between the industry and the government, translating the ground-level needs of the industry into policy suggestions and communicating the government’s vision back to the trade. One of the most significant recent achievements has been bringing back the credibility of the industry to all stakeholders, including financial institutions.
The GJEPC is working with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to create a roadmap for reaching the goal of $100 billion in exports. While India is already a global leader in loose natural and laboratory-grown diamonds, the finished jewellery segment will be the major engine for this next phase of growth.
As the industry looks to become a dominant global player in the finished jewellery category, the IIJS Bharat – Premier 2026 is expected to play a critical role in driving growth and exports. With its expanded scale and ambition, the show is poised to provide a boost to the industry and help achieve the goal of reaching new heights in exports.
