HRD Antwerp, Europe’s leading authority in diamond and jewellery certification, successfully hosted the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum at the Residence of the Ambassador of Belgium in New Delhi. The exclusive thought leadership gathering brought together senior decision makers from across the global diamond and jewellery value chain for an evening of dialogue, insight and high‑level networking.
Organised in collaboration with the Embassy of Belgium in New Delhi, Flanders Investment & Trade, & the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council of India (GJEPC), the forum highlighted the enduring strategic partnership between India and Belgium, long recognised as two pillars of the global natural diamond industry.
Among the 330 guests were leading manufacturers, retailers, industry executives, policymakers and diplomatic representatives, who explored the evolving dynamics shaping natural diamonds, international trade and the global luxury market.
A strategic dialogue on the future of natural diamonds
The programme addressed key themes shaping the future of the diamond sector:
* The future of natural diamonds in a transforming global market
* Trade, transparency and trust as drivers of industry resilience
* Strategic alignment between producing, manufacturing and retail markets
* Long‑term implications for the luxury sector
A central feature of the evening was the high‑level panel discussion:
“The evolving global diamond landscape: trade, transparency and industry alignment.”
Speakers included:
* Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC & 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
* Ramakant Mitkar, Managing Director India, HRD Antwerp
Strengthening Indo‑Belgian cooperation
The forum was opened by H.E. Mr. Didier Vanderhasselt, Ambassador of Belgium to India.
Their participation underscored the strategic importance of the India–Belgium diamond corridor, combining India’s manufacturing leadership with Antwerp’s longstanding expertise in certification, compliance and global diamond trade.
“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.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC said, “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. Platforms like the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum are important in strengthening dialogue, transparency and global collaboration for the future of the natural diamond industry.”
HRD Antwerp’s global role
With 15 laboratories worldwide across Europe, India and the UAE, HRD Antwerp continues to strengthen consumer confidence through independent certification, scientific research and transparent grading standards.
The event further underscored HRD Antwerp’s long‑term engagement with India, both as a manufacturing hub and as a strategic partner in building a responsible and transparent global diamond ecosystem.
The forum was powered by INDRA, a joint initiative of De Beers Group and GJEPC, supported by Shivam Jewels as the Diamond Partner, BVC Logistics as Logistics Partner, and Business of Jewellery (BOJ) as Media Partner.
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