India’s pursuit of a streamlined, collaborative diamond supply chain with Botswana moved a step forward as GJEPC’s White Paper, Strengthening India-Botswana Diamond Partnership, received strong appreciation from His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko during President Droupadi Murmu’s State Visit to Botswana from 11-14 November 2025.
GJEPC, along with the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), joined the official Indian delegation at the invitation of the Government of Botswana. The White Paper was formally presented to President Boko by Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman of Gujarat, GJEPC.
The discussions highlighted the need for a direct rough diamond trade pipeline between Botswana and India. Currently, Botswana-origin diamonds flow through several intermediary hubs, increasing costs, limiting MSME access, and adding operational inefficiencies. The White Paper proposes a structured, transparent mechanism to enable direct sourcing, leveraging India’s diamond processing strength and Botswana’s mining leadership.
President Boko reviewed the document personally during the meeting and commended its clarity and strategic vision, noting that it demonstrates India’s constructive intent towards Botswana. Mining companies in Botswana also welcomed the insights, particularly around direct supply access, MSME participation, and future cooperation via Special Notified Zones (SNZ) in Surat and Mumbai, along with GJEPC’s Special Materials Distribution Organization (SMDO).
The positive engagement continued at the Presidential dinner hosted in honour of President Murmu, followed by a separate meeting where President Boko and his full ministerial team met the Indian delegation — an indication of Botswana’s keen interest in establishing a long-term, structured partnership with India’s diamond industry.
The delegation further proposed developing Gaborone and Surat as “twin cities” dedicated to integrated collaboration in diamond trade, technology, and skill development.
Jayanti Savaliya said, “It was a privilege to present this White Paper during President Murmu’s historic visit and showcase India’s vision for a direct, efficient Botswana-Surat diamond corridor.”
Julius Tsheko of Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, New Delhi, added, “President Boko believes India has the capability to invest in Botswana and contribute to its economic future. This visit has opened strong avenues for collaboration.”
Nikhil Madrasi of SGCCI highlighted broader opportunities, “Beyond diamonds, both nations can expand cooperation in textiles, engineering, technology and services. Strengthening ties with Botswana will foster business growth and innovation.”
The encouraging response to the White Paper and the high-level discussions signal renewed momentum towards building a transparent, mutually beneficial India-Botswana diamond trade framework.
