Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum Highlights Strengthening Trade Ties

India and Belgium’s longstanding partnership in the global diamond trade took centre stage at the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum, recently held in New Delhi.

The forum was jointly organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), HRD Antwerp, and the Embassy of Belgium in India. The gathering brought together industry leaders, policymakers, diplomats and entrepreneurs to exchange views on the evolving global diamond market and explore opportunities to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

Hosted at the residence of the Belgian Ambassador in New Delhi, the event highlighted the deep trade ties between India and Belgium across the diamond value chain, from cutting and polishing to global trading.

De Beers Group powered the forum through its INDRA initiative with GJEPC. Shivam Jewels joined the event as the Diamond Partner; BVC Logistics supported the initiative as the Logistics Partner; and Business of Jewellery served as the Media Partner.

Industry Leaders Come Together

The event was inaugurated in the presence of Didier Vanderhasselt, along with several prominent figures from the gem and jewellery industry, including Kirit Bhansali, Shaunak Parikh, Mansukh Kothari, Stanley De Belie, and Ramakant Mitkar.

Their presence underlined the importance both countries attach to strengthening cooperation in the diamond sector.

Conversations on the Future of the Diamond Industry

A panel discussion during the forum focused on key developments shaping the global diamond and jewellery business.

Industry experts discussed evolving consumer preferences, the growing importance of branding natural diamonds, technological innovation in the trade, and opportunities to expand Indo-Belgian collaboration.

The panel featured Shaunak Parikh, Sabyasachi Ray, Toranj Mehta, Priyal Shankar, Oushnik Chandra, and Ramakant Mitkar.

The discussion was moderated by Prasad Kapre, who steered the conversation around global market trends and the future positioning of natural diamonds.

Strengthening Global Industry Links

Events such as the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum underscore the importance of international partnerships in sustaining the growth of the diamond trade.

Through such initiatives, GJEPC continues to build stronger relationships with global trade partners while reinforcing India’s position as a key pillar of the global gem and jewellery industry.