Botswana’s Okavango to Hold Rough Diamond Auction in Surat

Surat, Gujarat –– In a landmark development for India’s diamond industry, Botswana’s government-owned Okavango Diamond Company has agreed to begin rough diamond auctions in Surat, the global hub of cut and polished diamonds. The move is expected to significantly ease the long-standing rough diamond supply crisis faced by Surat’s diamond traders.

The decision was the result of a recent visit by a delegation of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) to Botswana. Led by Rakesh Sharma, Executive Director of Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), the delegation engaged in detailed discussions with Okavango’s Managing Director Mmetla Masir.

Speaking on the development, Rakesh Sharma said, “We proposed to host the first-ever rough diamond auction in Surat before Diwali 2025. This initiative will reduce our dependence on overseas markets and directly connect our traders with rough diamond producers.”

Okavango Diamond Company, one of the most reputed suppliers of ethically sourced diamonds, has confirmed its willingness to organize the auction in August–September 2025. This strategic decision comes as a major boost to Surat’s diamond sector, which had long been grappling with inconsistent foreign supply chains.

“This is a historic moment for India’s diamond industry,” said Pravin Lapsiwala, a senior trader in Surat. “For years, we have relied on international markets, facing delays and uncertainties. This auction will bring the supply chain closer to home and improve our production efficiency.”

The diamond industry in Surat has suffered from irregular rough diamond supplies due to complex foreign trade policies and the unwillingness of international producers to engage directly with Indian buyers. The upcoming auction is expected to resolve these issues, reduce costs, save time, and stimulate the domestic diamond economy.

Experts believe that the auction will not only ensure a stable supply of rough diamonds but also reinforce Surat’s status as a global powerhouse in diamond processing. If successful, the model could pave the way for similar collaborations with other countries.

With the rough diamond auction set to launch before Diwali, optimism is running high among diamond manufacturers, traders, and exporters across India.