Page 20 - Bullion World Issue 10 Volume 05 October 2025

Bullion World | Volume 5 | Issue 10 | October 2025 IGC 2025: Where The World Meets India, Day 2 Highlights
SPECIAL ADDRESS BY
MR PRiTHviRAj KOTHARi,
PRESiDENT, IBjA, AT THE
INAuGuRAL SESSiON OF
INDiA GOLD CONFERENCE 2025
Mr Prithviraj Kothari opened the India Gold
Conference 2025 with recognition of gold’s
enduring cultural and financial significance
in India, especially in the context of record-
high prices crossing ₹1,00,000 per 10 grams
and $3,700 per ounce-a 43% surge in just
one year. He highlighted how gold’s multi-
year bull run has been driven by inflation,
ongoing crises, central bank diversification,
and weaker trust in the U.S. dollar.
20
Mr Prithviraj Kothari underscored that global central
banks now hold gold reserves (38,000 tonnes, $4.5
trillion value) greater than U.S. Treasuries for the first
time since 1996, with annual net purchases doubling
to over 1,000 tonnes in recent years, reflecting risk
aversion and strategic reserve rebalancing. India itself
has ramped up gold reserve accumulation, with RBI’s
holdings reaching 880 tonnes-now 12.1% of India’s
forex reserves-further solidifying gold’s role in national
asset security.
His address analyzed the impact of surging gold prices
on consumer behavior: growth in lightweight and
modular jewellery, strong momentum in gold ETFs,
digital gold, and SIP-based products, and evolving
industry focus on advanced technologies (assaying,
hallmarking, blockchain traceability). He called for
industry accountability, greater transparency, and
ethical sourcing to strengthen the trust and global
appeal of “Brand India.”
Mr Prithviraj Kothari urged collective action to address
declining volumes, revive domestic demand, and
innovate for export growth, positioning India as a
proactive global leader and not just a top consumer.
His vision for the sector’s future champions adaptation,
strategic collaboration, and technology-driven
transformation-creating lasting value during gold’s
historic ascent.
Mr Prithviraj Kothari reaffirmed gold’s timeless role
as a pillar of security and trust for Indian society
and the global economy. He emphasized the need
for the industry to innovate, collaborate, and uphold
transparency to meet evolving consumer demands.
His vision positions India not only as a top consumer
but as a future global leader actively shaping the gold
market’s transformation.