Surat: The diamond cooperation between India and Botswana has received a significant boost following the official visit of the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council to Botswana last month. Continuing this momentum, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, visited the GJEPC regional office in Surat to hold detailed discussions with the Indian diamond industry.
It is noteworthy that during the recent tour of Botswana, a detailed White Paper focused on strengthening the diamond cooperation between the two nations was submitted by the council to the President of Botswana. As per agency report, this initiative received widespread appreciation from the government and local media in that country. Upon her arrival in Surat, the Minister and her delegation were warmly welcomed by the GJEPC Gujarat Regional Chairman, Jayanti Savaliya. Highlighting the strategic partnership between India and Botswana in the global diamond value chain, he stated that in the current challenging global scenario, both countries need to move forward with greater synergy and trust.
Savaliya specifically emphasized the importance of providing India’s MSME diamond manufacturers with direct access to rough diamonds from Botswana. During the meeting, the Director of the Special Notified Zone at the Surat International Diamond Centre, Hitesh Shah, apprised the delegation of the working mechanism of the SNZ, explaining that this system ensures transparent, compliance-oriented, and competitive pricing for mining companies.
In his capacity as the SIDC Chairman, Savaliya informed the visitors that over 25 rough diamond viewing events have been organized at the Surat SNZ-SIDC so far and urged the Minister to encourage mining companies from her country to hold such events more frequently in the city. The Minister appreciated the world-class infrastructure of the Surat Diamond Bourse and demonstrated a positive stance regarding the proposal for direct trade of rough diamonds in Surat.
However, she noted that considering the existing global market conditions, any such step would need to be taken forward with a strategic and balanced plan to ensure mutual benefit. The meeting was described as highly useful and futuristic, reiterating the shared commitment of India and Botswana to further empower the global diamond industry through structured, long-term, and sustainable cooperation.
