HRD Antwerp hosted the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum on March 16, 2026 at the Residence of the Ambassador of Belgium in New Delhi, convening stakeholders from across the global diamond value chain.
The forum was organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, Flanders Investment & Trade, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The initiative focused on reinforcing cooperation between India and Belgium, two key centres in the natural diamond pipeline.
The event saw participation from 330 attendees, including diamantaires, manufacturers, retailers, policymakers and industry executives. Discussions centred on structural shifts in the global diamond market, evolving trade frameworks and the role of transparency in sustaining demand for natural diamonds.
Key themes addressed included the future positioning of natural diamonds, the importance of trust and compliance in global trade, and alignment across producing, manufacturing and retail markets.
A panel discussion titled “The evolving global diamond landscape: trade, transparency and industry alignment” brought together industry representatives.
Panellists included Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC and 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 inaugurated by H.E. Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India, highlighting the importance of the India–Belgium diamond corridor. The partnership links India’s manufacturing scale with Antwerp’s role in certification, compliance and global distribution.
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.
Paul De Wachter, CEO of HRD Antwerp
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.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC
HRD Antwerp operates 15 laboratories across Europe, India and the UAE, supporting certification, grading and research within the diamond sector.
