Which city is called the Diamond Capital of India?

Have you ever wondered where most of the world's diamonds are shaped before they reach jewellery stores? Surprisingly, the answer is not a city known for diamond mines, but a bustling commercial centre in western India.

The city is Surat, located on the banks of the Tapi River in Gujarat. While diamonds are mined in different parts of the world, a large share of them travel to Surat, where they are cut, polished and prepared for global markets.

This remarkable role has earned Surat the title of the Diamond Capital of India, and in many ways, it has also become one of the most important diamond-processing centres in the world.

WHY IS SURAT CALLED THE DIAMOND CAPITAL OF INDIA?

Surat is called the Diamond Capital of India because of its dominant position in the diamond processing industry. The city is globally known for its highly skilled workforce and thousands of diamond-cutting and polishing units.

According to information from Surat Municipal Corporation, around 90 per cent of the world's diamonds are cut and polished in Surat before being sold in international markets.

Over the decades, the city developed specialised expertise in transforming rough stones into polished gems. This industry turned Surat into a global name in the diamond business.

HOW DID SURAT BECOME A DIAMOND HUB?

Surat's journey began in the second half of the twentieth century when local entrepreneurs entered the diamond-cutting business.

The industry grew rapidly because of skilled artisans, lower processing costs and strong trading networks. Small workshops gradually expanded into large manufacturing units.

As international demand increased, Surat established itself as a reliable centre for precision cutting and polishing. Today, the city's diamond ecosystem includes manufacturers, exporters, traders, designers and training institutes.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE DIAMOND INDUSTRY TO SURAT?

The diamond sector is one of the biggest contributors to Surat's economy and provides employment to a vast workforce.

The industry supports not only cutters and polishers but also people working in jewellery manufacturing, logistics, exports, technology and financial services.

Recent recognition of the Surat Cut Diamond through a Geographical Indication (GI) tag further highlighted the city's craftsmanship and long-standing contribution to the global diamond trade.

WHAT IS THE SURAT DIAMOND BOURSE?

One of Surat's most significant recent achievements is the development of the Surat Diamond Bourse.

The complex was created as a major business hub for the diamond and jewellery industry. It brings traders, manufacturers, exporters and service providers together under one roof.

The bourse reflects Surat's ambition to strengthen its position in the international diamond market and make business operations more efficient.

IS SURAT KNOWN FOR ANYTHING ELSE?

Yes. Surat is also known as the Silk City and one of India's leading textile centres. The city has a long history as a trading port and remains an important economic powerhouse in Gujarat.

In addition, Surat is frequently recognised for its cleanliness, rapid urban development and strong business environment. The city continues to attract people from different parts of India for work and entrepreneurship.

WHY DOES SURAT'S TITLE STILL MATTER TODAY?

The title "Diamond Capital of India" is not just a nickname. It reflects the city's global influence in an industry that connects miners, traders, jewellers and customers across continents.

Although diamonds may originate in countries thousands of kilometres away, many of them complete their journey through Surat before reaching the market.

Surat is a city whose skill, craftsmanship and industry helped make it one of the world's leading diamond centres.