Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, visited Botswana on a State Visit from 11 to 14 November 2025. The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), representing India’s diamond sector, joined the Indian delegation along with South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) at the invitation of the Government of Botswana.
Presentation of White Paper to President Boko
During the visit, GJEPC presented its White Paper titled ‘Strengthening India-Botswana Diamond Partnership’ to His Excellency President Duma Gideon Boko. The document was formally handed over by Mr. Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC.
Focus on Direct Diamond Trade Pathway
The discussions centred on creating a more direct and efficient diamond trade pathway between India and Botswana. At present, Botswana-origin rough diamonds reach India through multiple intermediary hubs, raising costs, restricting access for MSMEs, and adding unnecessary logistical steps. The White Paper outlines a practical route to build a direct trade channel that strengthens both economies.
Appreciation from President Boko
President Boko went through the report during the meeting and expressed appreciation for its clarity and forward-looking approach. He noted that the study shows “India is thinking positively for Botswana”, and thanked GJEPC for offering a workable roadmap for building a direct link with India’s diamond industry.
Industry Feedback and Future Cooperation
Botswana-based mining companies described the paper as revealing, highlighting its insights on direct supply, MSME access, and future cooperation through the Special Notified Zones (SNZ) in Surat and Mumbai, as well as GJEPC’s Special Materials Distribution Organization (SMDO).
High-Level Ministerial Engagement
Following the meeting, President Boko invited the Indian delegation to the Presidential dinner hosted in honour of President Murmu. He later held a separate meeting with the delegation, joined by his full ministerial team, underscoring Botswana’s strong interest in advancing structured cooperation with India’s diamond sector.
Proposal for Gaborone-Surat Twin Cities
During the visit, the Indian delegation also proposed positioning Gaborone and Surat as twin cities focused on diamond-sector collaboration.
Leadership Statements
Mr. Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC, said, “It was a privilege to present this White Paper during President Murmu’s historic visit and share India’s perspective on building a direct and efficient diamond corridor between Botswana and Surat.” Mr. Julius Tsheko, Regional Director, Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, New Delhi, said, “Our team was pleased with the high-level Indian delegation that visited Botswana during the first-ever State Visit of an Indian Head of State. President Boko believes India has the capability to invest in Botswana and shape its economic future. We look forward to working together to turn these opportunities into reality.” Mr. Nikhil Madrasi, President, SGCCI, added, “Botswana and India share a common vision of sustainable growth and economic partnership. Beyond diamonds, there is strong potential for trade in textiles, engineering, technology and services. Strengthening ties with Botswana will support greater business exchanges, innovation and cultural understanding.”
Momentum for India-Botswana Partnership
The encouraging response to the White Paper, combined with the ministerial-level discussions and interest in the Gaborone–Surat twin city idea, signals fresh momentum for a stable, transparent and mutually supportive India–Botswana diamond trade framework.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10700+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
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