National News
Belgian Prime Minister H.E. Bart De Wever Makes Historic First Visit To Bharat Diamond Bourse
- Visit Marks Start of a New Chapter in a Century-old Sparkling Partnership
- Meet reaffirms a shared commitment to ensure sustainable growth of industry
- Recent India-EU FTA opens new vistas to build deeper commercial ties
- Bonds strengthened by the presence of a vibrant Indian community in Antwerp
Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), on behalf of the entire Indian diamond industry, was honoured to welcome H.E. Mr. Bart De Wever, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium and his official delegation on their visit to the Bourse at BKC, Mumbai, today. It marked a historic new milestone in the over 100-year partnership between the diamond industries of the two countries, being the first time that the Head of the Belgian government has visited the largest operational diamond bourse in the world.
The visit took on added significance as it came soon after the signing of the Indo-EU Free Trade Agreement, which has paved the way for deepening ties and collaboration between the two countries, especially in the diamond and jewellery sectors.
Today’s interaction between these two centres, each with its own unique position in the diamond value chain, marks the beginning of a new chapter, industry leaders said. Both sides renewed their commitment to collaborate and share responsibility in reinforcing the integrity of the industry, strengthening confidence in the diamond trade and ensuring that it continues to grow sustainably for the generations ahead.
Emphasising the close bonds between India and Belgium, Mr Anoop Mehta, President BDB, said the two countries shared much more than a trading partnership as many Indian diamantaires, particularly from Gujarat, have made Antwerp their home. He added that when the BDB was being planned, a team visited Antwerp and drew lessons and inspiration that guided them in creating a truly international diamond trading centre in Mumbai.
Further, he added, Mr Mehul Shah, Vice President of BDB is currently the President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, the global apex body of the trade since 1947 with its headquarters in Antwerp.
Looking forward, Mr Mehta said:
“The world is changing rapidly, and our industry must adapt in partnership. Our shared objective should be to create a diamond trade that is not only prosperous, but also fair, transparent and sustainable.”
Mr Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said:
“the industry was proud to welcome the Prime Minister of Belgium at a time when India’s leadership role in international trade forums is helping shape the future of the industry.”
Reaffirming a shared commitment to mutual prosperity, Mr Bhansali stated that India–Belgium trade in gems and jewellery was around US$3.5 billion in 2025-26, and that the journey of many of the millions of diamonds cut and polished in India passes through Antwerp. “These are not merely figures. They represent businesses, livelihoods, and over five million direct and indirect jobs supporting families across India — all woven into this global value chain,” he added.
Describing the visit as the beginning of a “stronger chapter in our shared economic journey”, Mr Bhansali stressed that it is an opportunity for both nations to strengthen the relationship in diamonds and explore new frontiers built on commerce, trust and shared opportunity.
Addressing a packed hall comprising the who’s who of the diamond industry, Belgian PM H.E. Mr Bart de Wever described his visit to BDB in Mumbai as long overdue, because, “India was the cradle where the diamond industry began centuries ago, and Antwerp too has been a key trading centre for the industry since the 15th century.”
Mr Wever praised the role that both Mumbai and Antwerp play as the financial capitals of their countries, explaining that these cities are where the “money is made”. He said the Belgian government welcomed the recent Indo-EU FTA and believed it would boost trade by lowering costs and duties, digitizing and simplifying procedures and aiding interaction.
Mr Wever concluded:
“It is fitting that diamond industry provides a foundation for India-Belgium collaboration, because our ties are like ‘adamas’, the ancient Greek name for a diamond which means unbreakable. Our trade runs in two directions and brings advantages to both partners, so it will definitely thrive for at least another 100 years.”
The PM and his delegation also visited different locations within the bourse complex, including the offices of The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, the official apex body of India’s G&J export industry that has over 11,000 exporter members spread across the country and spearheads interaction with the government as well as developing existing and new export markets.
Another highlight was the interaction with the Mumbai Diamond Merchants Association, the oldest diamond trade organisation in the city which manages the massive 20,000 sq ft diamond trading hall in BDB on behalf of its 14,500 members, mainly smaller entrepreneurs and individual traders, who play a crucial role in the business.
The visit concluded with an interactive session with committee members of GJEPC and BDB as well as a select number of senior diamantaires representing the top exporting companies and those with a significant presence in Belgium.
- Event marks 42 years of Incorporation and 16 years of Operations
- Recently-appointed Consul-General’s first visit to the Bourse helps strengthen a century-old bond
- Long service awards presented to outstanding employees
Bharat Diamond Bourse today marked 42 years of incorporation and 16 years since the commencement of operations at the BDB Complex in BKC with a special programme graced by H. E. Pierre Stverlynck – Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai as Chief Guest and a number of leading diamantaires.
The function was organised to celebrate the crucial roles played both by the visionaries who conceptualised the need for a centralised infrastructure to boost the diamond trade over four decades ago, and the employees who have run the daily operations in a highly efficient and professional manner.
In his Welcome Address, BDB Vice President, Mehul Shah explained the significance of celebrating twin milestones – 42 years of incorporation and 16 years of operations. He said:
“BDB began with a vision and is now the world’s largest operational bourse, and a symbol of India’s leadership in the diamond world and excellence in every aspect of operations.”
He added, “It is significant that the Consul General of Belgium is with us on this special occasion. Antwerp and Mumbai have a very close relationship, going back more than 100 years. Today the two cities have bonds based on trust, trade and friendship. We are committed to strengthening this bond over the next century as well.”
Congratulating the awardees he said that members may be the owners, but it is the staff who run the complex and have helped build it as the “best of the best” centres for diamonds. “Personal integrity combined with hi-tech surveillance have made BDB one of the safest places in the world,” he explained, and urged all present never to forget that “it is the soldiers who fight and win the wars.” Mr Shah offered compliments to all the awardees and congratulated Team BDB.
Speaking on the occasion, Anoop Mehta, President BDB, welcomed Mr Stverlynck who has recently assumed charge as Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai.
“We are sure that this will be the first of many visits to our Bourse,” he said, noting that the Consulate is the nearest neighbour of the complex.
“The BDB leadership has always enjoyed a very special relationship with the Belgian consulate,” he added, “built on the longstanding bonds between the diamond industry in our two countries.”
Mr Mehta said it was heartening that so many employees had remained loyal to the BDB for multiple years, and urged all gathered to reach out through their department heads to put forward suggestions for further changes and improvements
Mr Stverlynck, who was on his first visit to the Bourse after assuming charge as Consul General, said he was extremely impressed with the facilities available for exporters within the complex. Assuring the trade of cooperation and support, he said he was happy to be personally present to celebrate such a remarkable institution as BDB that has become a key pillar of the India diamond industry.
Congratulating the leadership for its role in steering the bourse, as well as those employees who had received long service awards, Mr. Stverlynck said:
“The consolidated knowledge and experience of so many from those at the top to a number of others who contributed in various ways, is an asset to the industry.”
Special long service awards were presented to employees who completed special milestones during the year. These included 30-year, 25-, 15-, 10- and 5-year service awards to a few employees.
-
International News10 hours agoUS Holiday Shopping Expected To Top $1 Trillion For The First Time: NRF
-
National News4 hours agoBelgian Consul General H. E. Mr. Pierre Stverlynck Graces BDB Annual Day
-
National News5 hours agoLimelight Lab Grown Diamonds Crosses 100 Stores Milestone This Dussehra: Targets 200 In 2027
-
New Premises5 hours agoJoyalukkas Opens Its 2nd Bengaluru Showroom in Jayanagar
JewelBuzz is Asia’s First Digital Jewellery Media & India’s No.1 B2B Jewellery Magazine, published by AM Media House. Since 2016, we’ve been the trusted source for jewellery news, market trends, trade insights, exhibitions, podcasts, and brand stories, connecting jewellers, retailers, and industry professionals worldwide.