Direct Diamond Trade Gains Momentum as Botswana President Praises GJEPC White Paper
The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, undertook a State Visit to Botswana from 11 to 14 November 2025. As part of the official delegation, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), representing India’s diamond industry, participated alongside the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at the invitation of the Botswana Government.
During the visit, GJEPC presented its White Paper, “Strengthening India–Botswana Diamond Partnership”, to His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko. The document was handed over by Mr. Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC.
Discussions focused on establishing a more direct and streamlined diamond trade route between India and Botswana. Currently, Botswana-mined rough diamonds pass through several intermediary centres before reaching India, increasing costs, limiting MSME participation and adding avoidable logistical complexities. The White Paper proposes a practical framework for enabling a direct trading corridor that would benefit both nations.
President Boko reviewed the report during the meeting and commended its clarity and forward-thinking recommendations. He remarked that the study reflects “India’s positive intent towards Botswana” and appreciated GJEPC for presenting a realistic roadmap to strengthen direct engagement with India’s diamond industry.
Botswana’s mining companies found the White Paper insightful, particularly its observations on direct supply opportunities, MSME access, and potential collaboration through Surat and Mumbai’s Special Notified Zones (SNZs) and GJEPC’s Special Materials Distribution Organization (SMDO).
After the meeting, President Boko invited the Indian delegation to a Presidential dinner hosted in honour of President Murmu. He later held an additional meeting with the delegation, accompanied by his full ministerial team, reaffirming Botswana’s strong commitment to deepening structured cooperation with India’s diamond sector.
During the visit, the delegation also proposed developing Gaborone and Surat as “twin cities” to enhance diamond-focused collaboration.
Mr. Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC, said, “Presenting this White Paper during President Murmu’s historic visit was an honour. It allowed us to share India’s vision for building a direct and efficient diamond corridor between Botswana and Surat.”
Mr. Julius Tsheko, Regional Director, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, New Delhi, added, “We were pleased with the high-level Indian delegation that visited Botswana during the first State Visit by an Indian Head of State. President Boko believes India can significantly contribute to Botswana’s economic future. We look forward to transforming these opportunities into concrete outcomes.”
Mr. Nikhil Madrasi, President, SGCCI, noted, “Botswana and India share a mutual commitment to sustainable development and economic cooperation. Beyond diamonds, there is vast scope for collaboration in textiles, engineering, technology and services. Strengthening ties with Botswana will foster broader business exchanges, innovation and cultural engagement.”
The positive reception to the White Paper, combined with ministerial discussions and interest in the Gaborone–Surat twin city concept, marks a promising step towards a transparent, stable and mutually beneficial India–Botswana diamond trade ecosystem.