Which city is known as the Diamond City of India?

From glittering jewellery stores across the world to luxury showrooms in Europe and the Middle East, many diamonds begin their journey in one Indian city.

Just as Moradabad is known for brass and Zaveri bazaar in Mumbai is known for its gold market, this city is known for its unmatched expertise in cutting and polishing precious stones.

Can you guess the name of this city?

Well, it is Gujarat’s Surat which has earned the title of the Diamond City of India.

A city that powers the global diamond trade

Surat is not just famous in India. It plays a central role in the global diamond industry. More than 90 per cent of the world’s rough diamonds are brought to Surat for cutting and polishing before they reach international markets.

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Diamonds mined in countries such as South Africa, Russia, Botswana and Canada are shipped to trading hubs like Antwerp in Belgium. From there, they travel to Surat, where skilled artisans transform rough stones into sparkling gems ready for jewellery houses around the globe.

This massive industry has made Surat one of the most important centres of diamond processing in the world.

How Surat became India’s diamond hub

Surat’s journey to becoming a diamond powerhouse began around six decades ago. Over time, traders, craftsmen and entrepreneurs from different regions moved to the city in search of opportunities.

The city gained international recognition during the 1980s and 1990s for its efficiency, skilled workforce and quality workmanship. Today, Surat is home to thousands of diamond polishing units, ranging from small workshops to some of the most advanced cutting factories in the world.

It is estimated that over a million workers are directly employed in Surat’s diamond industry. Another several lakh people are connected to the trade indirectly through transport, jewellery manufacturing and related businesses.

The role of Surat Diamond Bourse

One of the biggest milestones in the city’s diamond story is the Surat Diamond Bourse. Located in the Diamond Research and Mercantile City, the massive complex spreads across nearly 7.1 million square feet.

The Surat Diamond Bourse was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023 and is considered one of the world’s largest office buildings.

The project was developed to bring together diamond traders, manufacturers and exporters under one roof.

The bourse has thousands of offices for national and international traders and is expected to strengthen Surat’s position in the global diamond trade.

A city shaped by trade and history

Surat’s importance as a trading centre goes back centuries. Historians trace the city’s roots to the old Hindu town of Suryapur between 1500 and 1520 AD. Located on the banks of the Tapi River and close to the Arabian Sea, Surat emerged as an important port city.

During the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, the city became a major trading link between India and several foreign countries.

European powers including the British, Portuguese, Dutch and French arrived in Surat to expand their trade networks.

The city was once considered India’s western gateway because of its strategic location. Apart from trade, Surat was also known for shipbuilding activities along the Tapi coast.

Although the rise of Bombay port affected Surat’s maritime dominance, the city reinvented itself through industries such as textiles and diamonds.

Why the world depends on Surat

What makes Surat unique is the combination of skilled craftsmanship, large-scale infrastructure and business expertise. Generations of artisans known as karigars have mastered the art of cutting and polishing diamonds with remarkable precision.

The strong connection between Surat and Antwerp also played a major role in expanding the trade.

Gujarati businessmen who settled in Belgium established strong networks in the diamond export business, creating a direct route between international diamond markets and Surat’s manufacturing units.

Today, Surat is not just a city of commerce but also a symbol of India’s global influence in the gems and jewellery sector.