Jaipur, January 30.
Industries and Commerce Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore stated that the organization of India Stonemart 2026 will significantly boost Rajasthan’s stone industry and provide artisans and entrepreneurs exposure to the latest global technologies in the sector. The event, jointly organized by RIICO, CDOS and Laghu Udyog Bharati, will serve as an international platform for policy dialogue, technology exchange and global collaboration.
Addressing a press conference on Friday regarding India Stonemart 2026, Col. Rathore said that Rajasthan is fully prepared to welcome participants from across India and abroad. Launched in the year 2000 to provide an international platform to stakeholders of the stone industry, India Stonemart is now entering its 13th edition, which is set to be the most grand and extensive so far. Exhibitors from countries including China, Turkey, Iran, Thailand, Italy and others will participate in this edition.
The press conference was attended by Stonemart Convener Natwar Ajmera, Naresh Pareek, National Co-General Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati, Manisha Arora, Managing Director, RUDA, Mukul Rastogi, CEO, CDOS, Deepak Ajmera, Chairman, CDOS, Anju Singh, National Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati, and Yogesh Gautam, Former National Treasurer, Laghu Udyog Bharati.
ODOP Pavilion to be a Major Attraction
Col. Rathore informed that a special One District One Product (ODOP) Pavilion will be set up at the event to showcase stone products selected under the ODOP scheme. This initiative will help Rajasthan’s unique stone products gain national and international recognition, leading to increased exports and employment generation.
Clear Leadership and Policy Provide New Direction to Rajasthan
The Industries Minister emphasized that Rajasthan has received a new direction due to clear leadership and strong policies. Over the past two years, new investment promotion policies and schemes have been implemented, making Rajasthan an attractive investment destination. Under the Rising Rajasthan initiative, work has already begun on projects worth over ₹8 lakh crore out of the total ₹35 lakh crore MoUs signed.
Employment Generation in Government and Private Sectors
Col. Rathore stated that the state government has made significant progress in employment generation. More than one lakh youth have already been appointed in the government sector, while recruitment for 1.54 lakh posts is underway. In the private sector, employment opportunities are being created by converting investment agreements into on-ground projects. He also highlighted successful initiatives such as Rising Rajasthan and Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas.
To promote self-employment, the Industries and Commerce Department has recently launched the Chief Minister Youth Self-Employment Scheme, under which interest-free loans up to ₹10 lakh will be provided. The scheme aims to benefit one lakh youth across the state.
Stonemart 2026 to be the Largest Ever Edition: Natwar Ajmera
Stonemart Convener Natwar Ajmera said that India Stonemart 2026 will be the largest edition in its history. The exhibition will be spread across nearly 25,000 square meters, featuring 539 stalls. He highlighted the unprecedented international participation, with exhibitors from eight countries including China, Turkey, Iran, Thailand, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, reflecting global trust and the event’s international stature.
Strong Global Platform for MSMEs: Naresh Pareek
Naresh Pareek, National Co-General Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati, stated that India Stonemart 2026 has emerged as a strong and reliable global platform for MSMEs. He said the event connects small and medium enterprises directly with international markets, new technologies and investors, while also serving as a powerful medium for policy dialogue with the government.
Boost to Urban Development and Design Ecosystem: Manisha Arora
Manisha Arora, Managing Director, Rural Non-Agricultural Development Agency (RUDA), said that India Stonemart 2026 will provide new direction to urban development, infrastructure and the design ecosystem. She emphasized the growing role of stone in smart cities, urban infrastructure and sustainable architecture.
World-Class Standards and Innovation Focus: Deepak Ajmera
Deepak Ajmera, Chairman, CDOS, stated that India Stonemart 2026 is being organized in accordance with world-class standards. He said the event will focus strongly on technology, design, sustainability and innovation, featuring initiatives such as a digital exhibition app, multi-language website, international roadshows, ODOP pavilion, student competitions and policy dialogue sessions, making it a comprehensive industrial platform.
Empowering MSMEs Globally: Anju Singh
Anju Singh, National Secretary, Laghu Udyog Bharati, said that India Stonemart 2026 has emerged as a powerful, reliable and opportunity-rich global platform for the MSME sector. The event will connect MSMEs with international markets while providing access to new technologies, design innovation and policy support.
Confluence of Policy, Trade and Global Trust: Yogesh Gautam
Former National Treasurer of Laghu Udyog Bharati, Yogesh Gautam, stated that India Stonemart 2026 represents a strong convergence of policy, trade and global trust for the Indian stone industry. He emphasized that Rajasthan’s stone industry has immense potential in terms of resources, skills and entrepreneurship, and Stonemart will help convert this potential into investment, exports and employment.
Event Highlights
Event to be held at JECC, Jaipur from February 5 to 8, 2026
Exhibition spread over 25,000+ sq. meters
539 stalls showcasing stone, machinery and value-added products
Exhibitors from China, Turkey, Iran, Thailand, Italy and other countries
International visitors, buyers, architects, developers and industry professionals from 20+ countries, including the USA, UK, Australia, UAE, Greece, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Germany and Russia
Jaipur Architecture Festival
Buyer–seller meets between domestic and international buyers
Design and innovation competitions for students and young talent
Global Stone Technology Forum and policy dialogue sessions
A Strong Step Towards Making Rajasthan a Global Stone Hub
The press conference highlighted that India Stonemart 2026 is a decisive step towards establishing Rajasthan not merely as a resource-rich state, but as a value-driven, technology-oriented and globally connected stone industry hub. Organizers expressed confidence that the event will generate new opportunities in investment, exports, technology adoption and employment, further strengthening Rajasthan’s industrial identity on the global stage.