HRD Antwerp has strengthened its presence in India with the reopening of its expanded and renovated diamond grading laboratory in Mumbai. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever officially inaugurated the facility on Friday during his two-day visit to India.
The upgraded laboratory increases HRD Antwerp’s grading capacity in Mumbai by 30 per cent, allowing the facility to process up to 2,000 diamonds a day. The expansion will also create 40 full-time positions within the organisation’s India team.
India remains a key market for HRD Antwerp, with the country now contributing just under 60 per cent of the organisation’s global turnover. Mumbai, in particular, continues to play an important role in the international diamond trade, supported by India’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for diamond cutting and polishing.
During his visit, De Wever toured the newly renovated facility and observed the diamond grading process. His visit comes as Belgium and India continue to maintain strong commercial ties, with diamonds accounting for approximately 30 percent of bilateral trade between the two countries.
HRD Antwerp first established its Mumbai operations in 2012. The latest investment reflects the growing importance of India to the organisation’s global business and its continued focus on expanding its grading infrastructure, workforce and partnerships in the country.