Mumbai, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, along with an official delegation, visited the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai on September 4, marking a significant milestone in the century-long partnership between the diamond industries of India and Belgium. This visit is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time a head of the Belgian government has toured the world’s largest operational diamond bourse.
The timing of the visit is crucial, coinciding with the recent signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the diamond and jewelry sectors.
Industry leaders expressed optimism, noting that discussions between these two pivotal centers in the diamond value chain signal the beginning of a new chapter. Both parties reiterated their commitment to enhancing industry integrity, boosting trust in diamond trading, and ensuring sustainable growth for future generations.
Anup Mehta, president of the BDB, emphasized the close ties between India and Belgium, highlighting that many Indian diamond traders, particularly from Gujarat, have made Antwerp their home. He noted that lessons learned from a visit to Antwerp during the BDB’s planning phase greatly influenced the establishment of a true international diamond trading hub in Mumbai. Mehta also mentioned that Mehul Shah, the BDB’s vice president, currently serves as the president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, headquartered in Antwerp since 1947.
Looking ahead, Mehta stated, “The world is changing rapidly, and our industry must adapt through partnership. Our shared goal should be to create a diamond trade that is not only prosperous but also fair, transparent, and sustainable.”
Kirit Bhansali, chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), expressed pride in welcoming the Belgian Prime Minister at a time when India’s leadership role in international trade is shaping the industry’s future.
Highlighting mutual prosperity, Bhansali revealed that trade between India and Belgium in the gems and jewelry sector reached approximately $3.5 billion in 2025-26. He noted that many of the millions of diamonds cut and polished in India pass through Antwerp.
“These figures are more than just statistics; they represent over five million direct and indirect jobs that support families across India, all woven into this global value chain,” Bhansali added.
The Bharat Diamond Bourse, located in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) of Mumbai, is one of the largest diamond trading centers in the world and plays a pivotal role in India’s global diamond trade. It brings together major diamond manufacturers, traders, importers, exporters, and industry service providers under one roof, equipped with world-class infrastructure and secure business facilities.
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