Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) on Sunday, hailing it as a symbol of New India’s strength and resolve. The world’s largest workplace and state-of-the-art center for diamond trade in the country, the Surat Diamond Bourse, is a milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global hub for the diamond and jewelry business.
During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the people of Surat have received two invaluable gifts – a new terminal for Surat Airport and its elevation to international airport status. The new airport terminal, built at a cost of ₹353 crore, is equipped to handle 1,200 domestic and 600 international passengers hourly during peak hours, further enhancing connectivity and fostering economic growth in the region.
PM Modi outlined his government’s ambitious plans for the next 25 years, emphasizing a strategic vision for India’s economic development. “Whether it is the aim for a 5-trillion-dollar economy or 10-trillion-dollar economy, the government has fixed the target for the next 25 years, and we are working on it,” he stated. The Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to elevate India’s export industry to record highs and propel the country among the top three economies in the world during his envisioned “third term.”
The establishment of the Surat Diamond Bourse, the world’s largest office complex with over 67 lakh square feet of floor area, is a testament to the government’s determination and vision. PM Modi referred to it as the result of “Modi’s guarantee” and celebrated Surat’s transformation from ‘Sun City’ to the illustrious ‘Diamond City.’ He commended the city’s achievements, including its street food and skill development initiatives, highlighting Surat’s status among the top 10 developing cities globally.
The Surat Diamond Bourse, located at Khajod village near Surat city, will serve as a global center for trading both rough and polished diamonds, as well as jewelry. The complex includes a state-of-the-art ‘Customs Clearance House’ for import and export, a jewelry mall for retail businesses, and facilities for international banking and safe vaults.
Several diamond traders, including those from Mumbai, have already taken possession of their offices through a meticulously organized auction process, according to SDB’s media convener, Dinesh Navadiya.
The inauguration of the Surat Diamond Bourse marks a historic moment in India’s economic landscape, positioning the country at the forefront of the global diamond and jewelry trade.
