India’s Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on 17th December, marking a new milestone for Surat’s prominence in the global diamond and jewellery trade.
The SDB, spread over 35.5 acres of land, has 9 towers with 4,500 offices that can accommodate over 67,000 traders. The SDB also boasts a green building that can save up to 50% of energy and water, a Spine-4 structure that can withstand strong earthquakes, and a Panchtatva garden that showcases the five elements of nature.
During his address, the Prime Minister hailed the SDB as a world-class facility that adds a unique gem to the city’s grandeur. He credited the vision of SDB Chairman, Shri Vallabhbhai Lakhani and Shri Laljibhai Patel of Dharmanandan Diamond Ltd., emphasising their inclusive approach in achieving this monumental feat. Shri Modi expressed confidence that SDB would now stand proudly alongside global counterparts in discussions about diamond trading hubs.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Governor of Gujarat Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel, and Union Ministers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and Shri Purshottam Rupala, among others.
Highlighting the significance of the new facility, the Prime Minister stated, “Surat Diamond Bourse showcases the abilities of Indian designs, designers, materials, and concepts. This building is a symbol of New India’s capabilities and resolutions.” He congratulated the entire diamond industry and the people of Surat, Gujarat, and India on this momentous occasion.
Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC said, “Inauguration of Surat Diamond Bourse by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that marks a historic moment for the Indian diamond industry. This world-class facility not only adds to Surat’s magnificence but also elevates India’s standing in the global diamond trade. Prime Minister’s vision for Surat extends beyond mere infrastructure; he envisions Surat becoming a global hub, connecting with international trade centres and boosting India’s share in gems and jewellery exports. The Surat Diamond Bourse symbolises New India’s capabilities, and the culmination of the assurance made by PM Shri Narendra Modi to the trade at the GJEPC-organised World Diamond Conference in 2014. With his direct intervention rules were changed for forming Special Notified Zones for trading of rough diamonds directly by mining companies. The Surat Diamond Bourse, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is expected to generate 1.5 lakh new jobs, propelling the industry forward.”
In addition to the SDB inauguration, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new terminal building at Surat Airport, elevating its status to an international airport. He announced the commencement of the Surat-Dubai flight and the upcoming flight to Hong Kong, making the state of Gujarat home to three international airports.
The Prime Minister cited the Surat Diamond Bourse as an example of his commitment to the city’s progress, providing a one-stop-shop for artisans, workers, and businessmen, expected to generate 1.5 lakh new jobs.
Shri Modi also outlined the government’s economic roadmap, aiming for a 5 trillion-dollar economy in the short term and a 10 trillion-dollar economy in the long term. He encouraged the diamond industry to play a pivotal role in boosting exports, especially in the gems and jewellery sector.
Closing his address, the Prime Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising Surat’s infrastructure, leveraging its connectivity with international trade centres and ongoing projects such as the Bullet Train and the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor.