The forum underscored the strategic importance of the India-Belgium diamond corridor, combining India’s manufacturing leadership with Antwerp’s expertise in certification and compliance
New Delhi: Europe’s leading diamond and jewellery certification authority HRD Antwerp successfully hosted the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum at the residence of the Ambassador of Belgium in New Delhi. The exclusive thought leadership event brought together senior decision-makers from across the global diamond and jewellery value chain for an evening of dialogue and insights.
Organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, Flanders Investment & Trade and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), the forum highlighted the enduring strategic partnership between India and Belgium, long recognized as two pillars of the global natural diamond industry.
Among the 330 guests were leading manufacturers, retailers, industry executives, policy-makers and diplomatic representatives, who explored the evolving dynamics shaping natural diamonds, international trade and the global luxury market.
The programme addressed key themes shaping the future of the diamond sector, including the future of natural diamonds in a transforming global market; trade, transparency and trust as drivers of industry resilience; strategic alignment between producing, manufacturing and retail markets; and long‑term implications for the luxury sector.
A central feature of the evening was the high‑level panel discussion, on ‘The evolving global diamond landscape: trade, transparency and industry alignment’, with panelists Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC & Director, Mahendra Brothers, Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, Toranj Mehta, Vice President-Marketing, De Beers India, Priyal Shankar, Director, Shivam Jewels, Oushnik Chandra, CEO, P.C. Chandra Jewellers and Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director India, HRD Antwerp.
The forum was opened by Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India. It underscored the strategic importance of the India-Belgium diamond corridor, combining India’s manufacturing leadership with Antwerp’s longstanding expertise in certification, compliance and global diamond trade.
“The Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum reflects our shared commitment to a strong, transparent and future-oriented diamond industry. Belgium and India have been partners in this sector for decades, and this dialogue is essential to shaping what comes next,” said Paul De Wachter, CEO, HRD Antwerp.
The forum was supported by INDRA, a joint initiative of De Beers Group and GJEPC. Speaking at the forum, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The partnership between India and Belgium has long been one of the strongest pillars of the global diamond industry. Platforms like the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum are important in strengthening dialogue, transparency and global collaboration for the future of the natural diamond industry.”
Founded in Antwerp, the historic heart of the diamond trade, HRD Antwerp has 15 laboratories worldwide across Europe, India and the UAE. It works to build consumer confidence through independent certification, scientific research and transparent grading standards.
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