De Wever Calls India-Belgium Diamond Ties Unbreakable

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has described the century-old India-Belgium diamond trade partnership as “adamās,” meaning unbreakable, underscoring the deep-rooted ties between the two countries built on mutual trust, transparency and collaboration.

De Wever made the remarks during a dialogue with entrepreneurs from the diamond trade sector at the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai’s BKC. The programme was held in the presence of Maharashtra Minister of State for Protocol and Marketing Jaykumar Rawal, along with BDB Chairman Anup Mehta, Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman Kirit Bhansali, diamond industry entrepreneurs and other dignitaries.

India and Antwerp: Complementary Diamond Hubs

Highlighting the historic connection between India and Belgium, De Wever said India is the birthplace of diamonds and has a diamond-trading tradition spanning thousands of years. He noted that the relationship between Antwerp and India has remained complementary for decades.

India has emerged as the world's major centre for diamond cutting and polishing, with more than nine out of every ten diamonds globally being cut and polished in the country. Antwerp, meanwhile, continues to serve as one of the world's leading centres for international diamond trade.

Focus on Stronger Trade and Investment Cooperation

The discussions at Bharat Diamond Bourse focused on strengthening collaboration and further expanding India-Belgium diamond trade relations. Industry representatives and dignitaries discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation across the diamond and gems and jewellery sectors.
The dialogue also highlighted the potential for creating new opportunities in industry, trade and investment between India and Belgium. The two sides expressed confidence that closer collaboration can further strengthen the longstanding partnership between India's diamond industry and Antwerp's global trading ecosystem.