The fourth annual IIJS Bharat – Tritiya, held in Bengaluru, has unequivocally cemented India's standing as a dominant force in the global jewelry market. This major B2B exhibition, spearheaded by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and backed by the Karnataka state government and the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, served as a crucial hub for sourcing leading up to the festive and wedding seasons. It united the entire jewelry ecosystem, addressing the escalating demands of both domestic and international consumers. The event underscored India's adaptability and forward-thinking approach amidst shifting global economic landscapes.

The opening ceremony of the IIJS Bharat – Tritiya 2026 was distinguished by the presence of key dignitaries. Smt. Gunjan Krishna, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Esteemed Guests of Honour included A. Prasanna Anguraj, Managing Director of Sree Kumaran Thangamaligai, and Pratap Madhukar Kamath, Managing Director of Abaran Timeless Jewellery Pvt. Ltd. They were joined by a cohort of influential leaders from the GJEPC, including Chairman Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman Shaunak Parikh, and Executive Director Sabyasachi Ray, alongside prominent figures from the Bengaluru jewelry associations, reinforcing the event's significance.

This year's exhibition experienced remarkable expansion, boasting an impressive turnout of over 1,100 exhibitors across more than 1,900 stalls, a substantial increase from previous editions. Spanning three vast halls, the event provided a comprehensive platform for sourcing a wide array of products, from gold, diamond, silver, and studded jewelry to loose natural diamonds, colored gemstones, couture, and fine jewelry, as well as lab-grown diamonds and advanced machinery. Complementing the main exhibition was the India Gem & Jewellery Machinery Expo (IGJME) Bharat – Tritiya 2026, featuring over 79 companies showcasing cutting-edge machinery, allied products, and packaging solutions. This dual event effectively bridged the gap between manufacturing innovation and retail demand, particularly invigorating the dynamic South Indian market.

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, articulated the industry's resilience, highlighting a remarkable ₹2.28 lakh crore in exports between April 2025 and February 2026, despite significant declines in traditional markets. He attributed this success to strategic market diversification and the unlocking of new trade avenues through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with regions like the UAE and Australia. Bhansali also noted the domestic market's projected growth to US$130 billion by 2030, underscoring the industry's ability to innovate with lighter designs in response to rising gold prices, catering to a global audience eager for Indian excellence.

Smt. Gunjan Krishna, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka, lauded the event's global appeal, with participants from over 500 cities and 40 countries. She emphasized Bengaluru's pivotal role as the ideal host and advocated for India's strategic move into the high-end luxury jewelry sector. Krishna stressed the importance of design-led value addition and nurturing homegrown luxury brands, affirming the Karnataka government's full commitment to establishing Bengaluru as a global center for the international jewelry trade, especially as the industry navigates global economic fluctuations.

A significant development at the exhibition was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GJEPC and The Jewellers’ Association Bengaluru (JAB). This agreement solidifies their joint dedication to bolstering and advancing the jewelry trade in Karnataka. It aims to enhance industry participation and cultivate greater opportunities through the IIJS Bharat Tritiya platform, ultimately fostering localized economic growth and more deeply integrating Karnataka's retailers into the worldwide supply chain.

The event also prominently featured a Crafts Pavilion, celebrating India's rich heritage of craftsmanship through Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged jewelry traditions like Banaras Meenakari, Cuttack Tarakasi filigree, Thewa jewelry of Rajasthan, and Hupari silver craft. Additionally, "The Select Club" showcased high-end couture jewelry, while "Innov8 Talks" at the Launch Pad offered valuable insights into emerging trends and innovation through seminars and panel discussions. The Networking Night, culminating in the IIJS Icon Awards and Hidden Star Awards, honored exceptional contributions and vital talent within the industry.

The IIJS Bharat – Tritiya 2026 served as an unparalleled platform for networking, fostering new business ventures, and facilitating crucial knowledge exchange, with over 15,000 retailers and international visitors converging. This grand event significantly reinforced India's esteemed position in the global gem and jewelry industry, showcasing its vibrant market, innovative spirit, and rich cultural heritage to an international audience.