During the inauguration of IIJS Premiere 2025 at its second venue, Bombay Exhibition Centre, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, revealed that the Government has given the official go-ahead to rename the show, marking a new chapter in its evolution and reaffirming its national stature and global ambitions
Mumbai: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)has received official confirmation from the Government to rename the biggest edition of the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) as IIJS Bharat. This was announced by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, during the inauguration of IIJS Premiere 2025 at its second venue, Bombay Exhibition Centre, in Mumbai. The development marks a new chapter in the show’s evolution and reaffirms its national stature and global ambitions.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra and Abdul Salaam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group, jointly inaugurated IIJS Premiere 2025 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, in the presence of Kirit Bhansali, Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, Nirav Bhansali, Convener-National Exhibitions, GJEPC, as well as several guests and dignitaries.
Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Govt of Maharashtra, reaffirmed the Maharashtra Government’s commitment to enabling entrepreneurship and creating opportunities through skill development. He said, “I’m grateful to GJEPC for hosting such a prestigious event, one that is rooted in Indian talent and enterprise. The gem and jewellery sector is a shining example of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’, providing employment to millions and enhancing livelihoods across the nation. As the Minister for Skill Development, Employment and Innovation, I see firsthand how platforms like IIJS Premiere are vital in nurturing entrepreneurship, generating jobs, and equipping our youth with world-class skills. Maharashtra is proud to support this transformation.”
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The gems & jewellery industry is built on the backbone of skill and craftsmanship, and Maharashtra has always played a key role in nurturing the talent. We are working hard with Mangal Prabhat Lodha ji to shape Maharashtra into a leading hub for jewellery talent and innovation. With the support of our Central and State Governments, bold leadership, and a deeply skilled workforce, I believe we are not just prepared to navigate the present — we are ready to shape the future.”
From next year onwards, GJEPC’s machinery & tech show might be held a few days before or after IIJS, focusing not just on machines, but also on technology, software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and AI-based digital solutions. GJEPC envisions it as a hub where architects for stall design and curators for showcase counters will also be present, making it a one-stop destination for global machinery and technology needs. “We aim to host the world’s largest machinery and tech event, potentially as early as next year, to make India a global hub. There will be multiple smaller auditoriums hosting sessions, demonstrations, and technology presentations. We are curating a diverse group of participants, with the aim to double the current 400 exhibitors to 800, making it the world’s largest machinery show,” added Bhansali.
He declared that for the next edition of IIJS in 2026, GJEPC plans to implement a grander vision, incorporating world pavilions (Italian, Spanish, German, Indian, Chinese) with corresponding culinary experiences.
Abdul Salaam, Vice Chairman, Malabar Group, said, “We at Malabar Group, always chose the right partners to take the best of Indian creativity and craftsmanship to global markets. We always focused on creating an intrinsically Indian brand for the world and Introducing Indian craftsmanship and designs to global customers. After selling Malabar in various countries, we are now going to open our first showroom in New Zealand.”
Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, said, “With 2,100 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors from across 80+ countries, IIJS Premiere continues to shine as a truly global celebration of India’s gems and jewellery industry.”
IIJS Premiere 2025 has a total exhibition area of 135,000 sq. mt. (1.45 million sq. ft.). With over 3,600 stalls and 2,100 exhibitors, IIJS Premiere is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors from 1,300 Indian cities and more than 3,000 international buyers from over 80 countries.
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