In a landmark development for India’s diamond manufacturing industry, Botswana’s Okavango Diamond Company (ODC) has announced its plans to establish a rough diamond auction centre in Surat. The move is expected to significantly benefit small and mid-sized manufacturers by offering direct local access to rough diamond supplies, reducing reliance on international travel to sourcing hubs such as Botswana and Belgium.

The initiative comes in the wake of a strategic visit by a FICCI-led delegation to Botswana, where senior representatives of India’s gem and jewellery sector engaged with ODC to explore avenues for deeper bilateral collaboration. As part of this engagement, discussions were held around launching auction operations within India’s key manufacturing centre.

ODC is targeting an operational launch by August or September 2025 and is exploring multiple sales avenues, including both auction-based offerings and potential long-term supply agreements. The proposed auctions are expected to be hosted at the Surat Diamond Bourse or facilitated through GJEPC-backed platforms. Local manufacturers interested in participating will need to complete ODC’s formal registration under its global tendering framework.

Speaking on the development, Ashish Borda, Member of the GJEPC Young Diamond Panel, confirmed that ODC has expressed a strong interest in engaging with manufacturers across Surat’s value chain. “This is a game-changing opportunity, especially for smaller players who often find it difficult to source rough diamonds internationally,” he said.

ODC’s upcoming presence in Surat is poised to bolster India–Botswana trade ties while reinforcing Surat’s status as a global hub for diamond processing and innovation.