HRD Antwerp hosted the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum at the Residence of the Ambassador of Belgium in New Delhi, bringing together senior decision makers from across the global diamond and jewellery 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 gathering focused on strengthening the long-standing partnership between India and Belgium in the global natural diamond trade.

A total of 330 guests attended the event, including manufacturers, retailers, industry executives, policymakers and diplomatic representatives. Discussions focused on developments influencing natural diamonds, international trade and the global luxury market.

The programme addressed several themes relevant to the diamond sector, including the future of natural diamonds in a changing global market, the role of trade transparency and trust, and alignment between producing, manufacturing and retail markets.

A panel discussion titled “The evolving global diamond landscape: trade, transparency and industry alignment” formed a central part of the programme.

Speakers 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 opened by H.E. Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India. The event highlighted the role of the India-Belgium diamond corridor, which combines India’s manufacturing capabilities with Antwerp’s position in certification, compliance and global diamond trade.

Paul De Wachter of HRD Antwerp said, “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.”

Kirit Bhansali of GJEPC added, “The partnership between India and Belgium has long been one of the strongest pillars of the global diamond industry. India’s manufacturing leadership together with Antwerp’s historic role in the diamond trade has helped shape the modern diamond value chain.”

HRD Antwerp currently operates 15 laboratories across Europe, India and the UAE, providing certification, grading and research services to the diamond industry.