Terming the diamond trade partnership between India and Belgium as an unbreakable bond, Prime Minister of Belgium Bart De Wever today said that the centuries old relationship is built on mutual trust, transparency and cooperation. Speaking at an interactive session at the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai, Mr. De Wever highlighted the complementary strengths of India and Belgium in the diamond industry, calling India as the world’s workshop and Antwerp as a global connecting platform.
Striking a parallel between Mumbai and Antwerp, globally known as the diamond capital of the world, Mr. De Wever said both the port cities serve as economic engines of their countries. He added that the new HRD Antwerp office in Mumbai will further strengthen the diamond trade between the two nations. Affirming the Belgian government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment for Indian businesses, Mr. De Wever expressed confidence that the Free Trade Agreement between India and the European Union would provide a significant boost to trade across various sectors.
Addressing the gathering, Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, Kirit Bhansali informed that the gems and jewellery trade between the two countries reached approximately 3.5 billion dollars in 2025-26. He also expressed confidence that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement would open up new avenues for trade, investment, and industrial cooperation. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Bharat Diamond Bourse, Anoop Mehta hoped for positive cooperation from Belgium during India’s chairmanship of the Kimberley Process.
