Mumbai, September 5 (Udaipur Kiran) : Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever, accompanied by an official delegation, visited the India Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai on September 4, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the diamond industries of India and Belgium. This visit is historic 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 particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the recent signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which opens new avenues for collaboration, especially in the diamond and jewelry sectors. Industry leaders described the discussions held during this visit as the beginning of a new chapter, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the integrity of the diamond trade and fostering trust within the industry.
Anup Mehta, President of the BDB, highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and Belgium, noting that many Indian diamond traders, particularly from Gujarat, have made Antwerp their home. He shared that the BDB’s conception was inspired by a visit to Antwerp, which helped shape Mumbai into a global diamond trading hub.
Looking ahead, Mehta stated, “The world is changing rapidly, and our industry must adapt in 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 Prime Minister De Wever during a time when India’s leadership in international trade is shaping the future of the industry. He confirmed a shared commitment to mutual prosperity, noting that trade between India and Belgium in the gems and jewelry sector was approximately $3.5 billion in 2025-26. He emphasized that these figures represent more than just numbers; they reflect the livelihoods of over five million individuals linked to this global value chain.
The India Diamond Bourse, located in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai, stands as one of the largest diamond trading centers globally, bringing together leading manufacturers, traders, importers, exporters, and service providers under one roof with world-class infrastructure and secure business facilities.
Deependra Singh Chundawat is a Senior Sub-Editor at Udaipur Kiran, specializing in a wide range of technology topics including mobile phones, applications, gaming, PCs, and wearables. Along with covering the latest tech news, he also creates engaging web stories. Passionate about emerging technologies, he stays up to date with the newest trends and enjoys reading and writing about the latest mobile launches and digital innovations.