Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever formally opened the facility during his two-day visit to India. The expansion strengthens HRD Antwerp’s presence in India, one of the world’s key centres for natural diamond cutting and trading.

The Mumbai expansion will also boost the laboratory’s research capacity by 30% and support the recruitment of 40 additional full-time employees. HRD Antwerp said its Indian operations currently account for 59% of group revenue and are expected to grow by 15.4% this year, ahead of projected group growth of 12.6%. Jewellery grading is contributing significantly to this growth, accounting for as much as 47% of the company’s total revenue increase.

“India remains the world's most important centre for diamond cutting. For a diamond laboratory such as HRD Antwerp, which provides cut natural diamonds with an independent and objective grading report, it is therefore essential to keep investing in this market,” said Paul De Wachter, CEO, HRD Antwerp.

HRD Antwerp has been active in India since 2012 and currently serves around 1,500 clients, including jewellery manufacturers, retailers, and companies involved in the production and trading of polished diamonds. Its regional network includes facilities and offices in Surat, Jaipur, Kolkata, New Delhi, Hyderabad and SEEPZ.

Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director, HRD Antwerp India, said the company is expanding capacity in response to rising demand for reliable and precise grading. The Mumbai facility’s expansion, he added, is aimed at supporting both domestic and international demand while strengthening HRD Antwerp’s presence across India’s major diamond and jewellery centres.

The inauguration was attended by De Wachter, Mitkar, Chirag Shah, Vice Chairman, Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), Belgian Ambassador to India Didier Vanderhasselt, and Belgian Consul General in Mumbai Frank Geerkens