Bengaluru, March 22: India reinforced its position as a global jewellery powerhouse with the inauguration of the 4th edition of IIJS Bharat – Tritiya 2026, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). As one of the country’s leading B2B jewellery trade shows, the event serves as a key sourcing platform for the upcoming festive and wedding seasons, bringing together stakeholders from across the global gem and jewellery ecosystem.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Smt. Gunjan Krishna, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka. The event was attended by Guests of Honour A. Prasanna Anguraj, Managing Director, Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai, and Pratap Madhukar Kamath, Managing Director, Abaran Timeless Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., along with senior GJEPC leadership and key industry stakeholders.
Supported by the Government of Karnataka and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the 2026 edition marks a significant scale-up, featuring over 1,100 exhibitors across 1,900+ stalls. Spanning three expansive halls, the exhibition offers a comprehensive sourcing platform across gold, diamond, silver, and studded jewellery, alongside loose natural diamonds, coloured gemstones, couture jewellery, lab-grown diamonds, and machinery and allied segments.
Highlighting the industry’s resilience, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, noted that India’s gem and jewellery exports reached ₹2.28 lakh crore between April 2025 and February 2026, registering over 4% growth despite a 44% decline in traditional markets such as the United States. He emphasised that strategic market diversification, evolving design innovation, and new free trade agreements are helping the sector navigate global challenges while unlocking new opportunities.
This year’s edition has also attracted participation from over 270 new companies, reflecting the sector’s expanding footprint and dynamism. Running concurrently is the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) Bharat – Tritiya 2026, showcasing advanced machinery, allied products, and packaging solutions, further strengthening the link between manufacturing excellence and retail demand.
Underscoring Karnataka’s support, Smt. Gunjan Krishna highlighted the participation of exhibitors and visitors from over 500 cities and 40 countries, calling it a testament to the industry’s global relevance. She emphasised the need to move towards high-value, design-led luxury segments while leveraging India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship.
In a significant development, GJEPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Jewellers’ Association Bengaluru (JAB), aimed at strengthening the regional jewellery ecosystem, enhancing industry participation, and creating new growth opportunities through the IIJS platform.
The exhibition also features a Crafts Pavilion celebrating India’s GI-tagged jewellery traditions, including Banaras Meenakari, Cuttack Tarakasi filigree, Thewa jewellery of Rajasthan, and Hupari silver craft—highlighting the country’s rich artisanal legacy.
Adding to the experience, The Select Club presents a curated luxury segment showcasing high-end couture jewellery, while Innov8 Talks at the Launch Pad hosts thought leadership sessions, panel discussions, and product launches focused on emerging trends and innovation in the sector.
The event also includes a Networking Night and the IIJS Icon Awards, recognising excellence within the industry, along with the Hidden Star Awards that honour the contributions of retail merchandising teams.
With over 15,000 retailers expected from 500 cities across India and international participation from 40 countries, IIJS Bharat – Tritiya 2026 is set to serve as a powerful platform for business networking, knowledge exchange, and global market expansion—further strengthening India’s position on the world jewellery map.
