SURAT: Plans are afoot for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the Surat Diamond Bourse, with potential dates being December 17 or 24, 2023. This comes after the Surat Diamond Bourse Management Committee members made a personal visit to New Delhi, inviting the PM to grace the occasion.
On their trip to the capital, not only did the Management Committee secure tentative dates for the grand opening, but they also made a fervent appeal to upgrade the status of Surat Airport to International. This move is in line with Surat’s growing prominence in the diamond industry.
The Committee, including influential figures such as BJP Gujarat State President C.R. Patil, Chairman Vallabhbhai Lakhani, and member Dinesh Navadiya, amongst others, had an extensive dialogue with the Prime Minister about the significance of the Diamond Bourse. Dinesh Navadiya highlighted the scale of this venture, calling it the “world’s largest diamond trading hub”.
In the backdrop of this meeting, hopes have been raised that PM Modi might not just inaugurate the Diamond Bourse but could also announce the Surat Airport’s new international status. Navadiya expressed optimism about this possibility, stating that the Prime Minister responded positively to their request.
Further emphasizing the city’s burgeoning diamond industry, Navadiya also revealed that over 467 diamond industrialists and traders have already registered their offices at the Surat Diamond Bourse. These offices are set for a grand opening on November 21, with preparations in full swing as many continue to finalize their interiors and other logistical arrangements.
