Belgian PM Bart De Wever Makes Historic Visit to Bharat Diamond Bourse

MUMBAI: The centuries-old bond between India and Belgium’s diamond industries gained a new sparkle on Friday as Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever made his first-ever visit to the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai, calling the engagement a long-overdue moment in a relationship that has shaped the global diamond trade.

The September 4 visit marked the first time a Belgian Prime Minister has visited the world’s largest operational diamond bourse, according to BDB. It also comes soon after the signing of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, which industry leaders believe could create fresh opportunities for bilateral trade.

BDB President Anoop Mehta highlighted the deep connections between the two diamond centres, noting that several Indian diamantaires, particularly from Gujarat, have made Antwerp their home. He said lessons from Antwerp had also influenced the development of BDB.

“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,” Mehta said.

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said India-Belgium gems and jewellery trade was worth around US$3.5 billion in 2025-26, while millions of diamonds polished in India pass through Antwerp.

“These are not merely figures. They represent businesses, livelihoods, and over five million direct and indirect jobs supporting families across India,” Bhansali said.

Addressing industry leaders, De Wever described his BDB visit as overdue, pointing to the historic importance of both India and Antwerp in the diamond trade.

“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,” he said.

Welcoming the India-EU FTA, De Wever said reduced costs and duties, simplified procedures and digitisation could boost trade.

Drawing on the ancient Greek word adamas, meaning unbreakable, he added, “Our ties are like ‘adamas’… unbreakable.”

The Belgian delegation also visited GJEPC and the Mumbai Diamond Merchants Association before holding discussions with senior industry representatives, signalling a renewed push for stronger and more sustainable India-Belgium diamond trade ties.