A high-profile Indian delegation, led by Shri R. Arulanandan, Director, Department of Commerce, Government of India, actively participated in the “Opportunities in India” event, which was organized by the Consulate General of India in Cape Town and the Government of India. The event took place on the fringes of the famous Mining Indaba 2025.
The delegation, which included Shri Rajat Wani, Regional Director – Surat, GJEPC, emphasized the importance of Special Notified Zones (SNZs) for diamonds in Mumbai and Surat, particularly their role in streamlining trade processes. They emphasized the significance of reducing the number of intermediaries in the diamond value chain, as well as encouraging more direct trade of rough diamonds between India and African mining states.
Direct auctioning of diamonds in SNZs was proposed as a mutually advantageous technique. Such a structure would allow African mining countries to earn bigger returns on diamond exports while giving Indian consumers more access to competitively priced rough diamonds.
The discussions also touched on the importance of consignment exports, which might match with African countries’ regulations, such as “temporary export” systems. The Indian delegation expressed confidence in resolving logistical and regulatory hurdles, resulting in a streamlined process that benefits all stakeholders.