Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to expand its gem and jewellery footprint in India, seeking stronger buyer links, sourcing partnerships and investment as it targets one of the world’s largest jewellery manufacturing and trading markets.
A business delegation led by the Export Development Board (EDB) is in India from August 8 to 13, holding discussions with industry groups, chambers and potential investors on increasing bilateral business, with a particular focus on gems and jewellery.
The programme brings together the EDB, National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), three industry associations and nine Sri Lankan gem and jewellery companies.
The participating companies include Gem Paradise, Punsiri Gems, Mansoor Gems, Beauty Gems, Gemluxe Ceylon, Ashadi Jewellers, GemTrad, Ceylon Gemora and Cey Gems.
The push comes as Sri Lanka looks to strengthen its presence in the Indian market by connecting local exporters directly with Indian buyers, manufacturers, traders and other industry players.
During the first leg of the visit, the delegation attended the India International Jewellery Show (IIJS) in Mumbai on August 8 and 9, where meetings were held with buyers, exhibitors and industry representatives.
Discussions centred on expanding bilateral gem and jewellery trade, identifying new areas of cooperation and creating business links between Sri Lankan and Indian companies.
The delegation on August 10 also held meetings with the Bombay Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.
EDB Chairman presented potential trade and investment opportunities, with discussions covering increased sourcing, partnerships, investment and other commercial collaborations between companies in the two countries.
The EDB also used the meetings to promote Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for January 14-17 at the BMICH in Colombo, inviting international buyers and exhibitors, particularly companies involved in advanced technologies and machinery relevant to Sri Lanka’s export industries.
NGJA Chairman meanwhile pitched Sri Lanka’s natural gemstones, craftsmanship and industry expertise to Indian businesses, while highlighting investment opportunities and encouraging partnerships with local companies.
Sri Lankan companies participating in the delegation also presented their products and capabilities to Indian businesses as part of efforts to position the country as a source of ethically sourced gemstones and value-added jewellery.
Industry associations promoted upcoming local events including Gem City Ratnapura, FACETS 2027 and Gem Sri Lanka. Further trade and investment engagements are scheduled for August 11 and 12 with the World Trade Centre Mumbai, All India Association of Industries, International Chamber of Investment and Business and the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries & Agriculture in Pune. The EDB said the India programme forms part of a wider effort to promote Sri Lankan exports internationally and build momentum ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
