New Delhi: The Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), world’s largest diamond bourse, has started holding parleys with the top government brass of the European Union (EU) for the long-pending India-EU Free trade agreement and the need for extended business visas of 5-10 years for the diamond professionals.
During the visit of a high-powered Belgian delegation at the BDB last week, the Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) management led by president Anoop Mehta and vice-president Mehul Shah put forth the urgent need for the India-EU FTA and the extended business visa. They argued that the reforms would significantly streamline business mobility between India, Belgium and other European markets.
After Dubai, Belgium is the hub of diamonds in the world. Over 40% of the world’s diamonds are traded in Belgium. Majority of the offices in Belgium are owned and run by the Indians, especially the Shahs and Patels from Gujarat.
Mehul Shah, in his address, highlighted Belgium’s pivotal role in India’s diamond journey. “The ties between India and Belgium—especially Antwerp—are the backbone of the global diamond trade. We acknowledge the continued support of Consul General Frank Geerkens, who has been instrumental in deepening these relations,” Shah said.
Led by H.E. Ambassador William Asselborn, Director for Asia & Oceania at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation also included Brigadier General Mario Engels, Defense Attaché; H.E. Frank Geerkens, Consul General of Belgium in Mumbai; Ms. Eva Verstraelen, Trade Commissioner, Flanders Investment & Trade; and Mr. Filippe De Potter, Director for Asia-Pacific at Flanders Investment & Trade.
Calling the partnership “deep-rooted and future-facing,” Ambassador Asselborn praised India’s central role in the global diamond trade. “Our engagement with BDB highlights Belgium’s unwavering commitment to a resilient and mutually beneficial diamond ecosystem,” he said, expressing appreciation for the bourse’s advanced infrastructure and zero-crime environment.
The delegation toured BDB’s sprawling, world-class campus, visiting the MDMA, IDTC, and reviewing SC3 Security Systems, which have earned the bourse global recognition for its risk-proof operational model. Officials were briefed on the latest technological and procedural upgrades designed to protect both domestic and international traders.
Though unable to attend, BDB President Anoop Mehta conveyed his sentiments saying, “I extend my warmest regards to Ambassador Asselborn, Brigadier General Engels, Consul General Geerkens, Ms. Verstraelen, and Mr. De Potter. Their visit reflects the strength of India–Belgium partnership in the diamond sector. We look forward to deepening collaboration and shaping a future-ready engagement.”
The Belgian side assured that the suggestions—particularly regarding long-term visas—would be taken up “with utmost seriousness and intent.”
