Mumbai, September 4, 2026: Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) in Mumbai today, using the platform to highlight the deep-rooted India–Belgium diamond relationship and opportunities for stronger trade and economic cooperation.
Addressing members of Mumbai’s diamond trade, De Wever traced the relationship between India and Belgium to centuries of diamond commerce, noting the evolution of India from a traditional cutting centre to a technology-driven, high-quality diamond manufacturing hub.
He described the two markets as complementary, with India offering manufacturing expertise and scale, while Belgium and Antwerp provide access to international buyers, trading networks and global markets.
De Wever also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diamond community in Antwerp, highlighting the role of Indian entrepreneurs in building the city’s diamond ecosystem.
The Belgian Prime Minister pointed to the recently concluded India–European Union Free Trade Agreement as an important milestone that could further strengthen commercial ties.
He said the relationship has potential to extend beyond diamonds into manufacturing, technology, logistics, services and investment, creating opportunities for businesses in both countries.
H.E. Pranay Verma, Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, described Belgium as an important gateway for Indian businesses seeking access to European markets. He said the Prime Minister’s visit marked the beginning of a stronger chapter in India–Belgium economic relations.
Anoop V. Mehta, President, Bharat Diamond Bourse, said De Wever’s visit was significant as it marked the first visit to India by a Belgian Prime Minister in 20 years.
He noted that the Prime Minister had chosen to devote part of his Mumbai visit to the diamond industry, calling it a strong signal of the importance of the sector to bilateral relations.
The event was attended by senior government officials and representatives of the diamond trade, including Bharat Shah, President, Mumbai Diamond Merchants’ Association; Chirag Shah, Vice-President, Antwerp World Diamond Centre; Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner, MMRDA; and Santosh Kumar Mishra, Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai.
The visit comes at a significant time for the global diamond industry, with Mumbai and Antwerp continuing to serve as two critical nodes in the international diamond pipeline.
The BDB interaction reinforced a shared message: the historic India–Belgium diamond corridor remains central to bilateral trade, while the next phase of the relationship is expected to encompass technology, investment, skills and wider access to global markets.