India is reviving calls for its own G7 diamond certification center, in addition to Antwerp and, beginning next year, Botswana.
The industry has been nearly unanimous in its opposition to Antwerp as the sole verification point. All raw diamonds, regardless of origin, must now be verified in Antwerp to guarantee they are not of Russian origin.
The European Commission said a week ago that Botswana will open an additional verification site next year, and that other African diamond-producing countries such as Namibia and Angola may follow suit.
It made no mention of India, despite the fact that it cuts and polishes at least 90% of the world’s diamonds.
Earlier this week, the Antwerp World Diamond Centre signed a memorandum of understanding with Angola, stating that it is eager to share experience so that the country can host another verification site.