Chennai, Feb 14 (Representative) The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and InCent-LGD- IIT Madras, with the support of the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, organized “Vajra Industry Research and Academic Meet” (Vairam 2025) at IITM Research Park, here. This event was first of its kindin the lab-grown diamond (LGD) sector, bringing together industry thought leaders,researchers, and government officials to explore the potential and future advancements in lab-grown diamonds. The meeting underscored India’s commitment to developing indigenously designed CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) and HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) systems for lab-grown diamond production. VAIRAM 2025 was supported by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), with the International Gemological Institute (IGI) as the Associate Partner and Economic Law Practice (ELP) as the Co-Partner, according to a press release here today. The inaugural session was attended by Prof. V.Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras; Prof. M S Ramachandra Rao, InCent-LGD, Mr. Manish Jiwani, Co-Convener, LGD Committee, GJEPC, and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with several industry experts.
With a mission to establish India as a global hub for lab-grown diamond technology, the Union Government allocated a grant of Rs. 242.96 crore in the 2023 budget to IIT Madras for research and development over a five-year period. As a result, IIT Madras set up the India Centre for Lab-Grown Diamond (InCent-LGD), a national center aimed at creating state-of-the-art facilities for lab-grown diamond technologies. The center focuses on developing and optimizing diamond growth processes using indigenously designed CVD and HPHT systems, reinforcing India’s position as a leader in lab-grown diamond technology. R. Arulanandan, Director, Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, said, “India’s strength in the diamond industry is like a diamond itself – resilient, adaptable and ever evolving. With over 50% of the global value chain rooted in India, our focus must now be on data, innovation and policy to drive this sector forward”. The future of diamonds – both natural and lab-grown – is India’s to shape, he said. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, ‘we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Government for its continued support to the LGD industry. With initiatives like the Rs. 242.96 crore grant to IIT Madras and the extension of customs duty exemptions on seeds used in the manufacture of LGDs, the government’s vision is clear–India is poised to be a global leader in the LGD sector.”
GJEPC is proud to partner in this transformative journey and looks forward to driving innovation, export growth, and employment opportunities within this thriving industry, he said. Prof. M S Ramachandra Rao, InCent-LGD, IIT Madras said, InCent-LGD is on track to revolutionize the lab-grown diamond industry with the development of indigenous MPCVD and HPHT machines within next 2 years. This innovation will significantly reduce India’s reliance on imports, positioning the country as a global leader in the production of high-quality lab-grown diamonds. “Our commitment to advancing technology and fostering industry collaboration will ensure that India not only meets the rising demand but leads the way in diamond innovation”, he said. Sabyasachi Ray, ED, GJEPC said, India stands at a unique advantage in the lab-grown diamond industry. With the entire value chain—from production to finished jewellery—happening domestically, India is positioned to become the largest producer of rough LGDs and the hub for cutting, polishing, and global trade. “This not only strengthens our global position in the gem and jewellery sector, but also opens doors to contribute to diverse industrial applications, making India the future epicenter of LGD technology and innovation”, he said. The event featured four panel discussions covering critical aspects of the LGD industry.