Page 10 - Bullion World Volume 5 Issue 05 May 2025

Bullion World | Volume 5 | Issue 05 | May 2025

H.E. Mr Javier Paulinich, Ambassador of Peru to India
His Excellency Mr Javier Paulinich delivered an inspiring keynote as the
Chief Guest, reflecting on Peru’s rich mining legacy, which dates back over
3,000 years. He proudly announced that Peru holds approximately 20% of
the world’s known silver reserves and remains the largest global exporter
of silver, having extracted over 3,100 metric tons in 2024. Mr Paulinich
emphasized that mining contributes more than 14% to Peru’s GDP and
is supported by an investment pipeline of over $54 billion. Highlighting
bilateral economic ties, he mentioned that silver exports to India surged
from virtually zero in 2020 to $32 million in 2024. Moreover, gold exports
touched $4.63 billion, making India Peru’s largest gold customer. He
emphasized Peru’s investor-friendly legal framework and transparency.
A key takeaway was the announcement of an imminent India-Peru Free
H.E. Mr Javier Paulinich Trade Agreement, expected to conclude by the end of 2025. He invited
Ambassador of the Indian entrepreneurs to invest in Peru’s rich mineral ecosystem and take
Republic of Peru to India
advantage of the trade-friendly environment.

Mr Rajesh Rokde, Chairman, Gem
& Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC)
Mr Rajesh Rokde emphasized the increasing role of silver in India's cultural
and economic spheres. Representing GJC, he highlighted that silver is
not only widely used in religious and traditional events but also offers
affordability and accessibility for young investors and small jewellers.
He pointed out that India might be holding over 100,000 metric tons of
silver, underscoring the need to quantify and organize this national asset.
Mr Rokde advocated for silver hallmarking and transparency, noting that
only around 200 hallmarking centres exist today, which is insufficient. He
urged public-private collaboration to scale up this infrastructure. Drawing
attention to the need for branding and marketing, he stated that silver’s
value as a culturally embedded metal should be used to enhance its image
as an investment. Mr Rajesh Rokde
GJC

Mr Chirag Thakkar, Director, Amrapali Gujarat
Mr Chirag Thakkar brought a dynamic, investor-centric viewpoint.
Referring to silver as the “new gold,” he highlighted how investors from
the previous year’s conference doubled their returns. On his digital silver
platform, client numbers have surpassed 70,000, growing at a biweekly
rate of 80%. He warned about ongoing issues in purity, citing informal
estimates that suggest India’s silver holdings range from 70,000 to 80,000
metric tons. He called for mandatory hallmarking and self-regulation to
protect consumer trust. Mr Thakkar also addressed India’s global silver
footprint, noting its role in driving long-term demand, particularly through
the green economy and pharmaceuticals. He concluded by applauding the
conference organizers and urging industry-wide collaboration.
Mr Chirag Thakkar
Director, Amrapali Gujarat

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