Three Years On, Surat Diamond Bourse Struggles to Shine as Chairman Makes Emotional Plea

SURAT: Three years after being showcased as a global landmark for India’s diamond industry, the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) is still struggling to translate its architectural grandeur into a fully...

In a letter addressed to members ahead of the festive season, Dholakia urged diamond traders to stop waiting for others and take individual responsibility for making the bourse operational. His appeal underscores the continuing challenge of persuading businesses from Surat and Mumbai to establish a sustained presence at the ambitious complex.

Regardless of whether others come or not, I will open my office,” Dholakia urged members to pledge, expressing hope that the new year after Diwali would mark a fresh beginning for the bourse.

The SDB was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 17, 2023. Promoted as the world’s largest office building, surpassing the Pentagon in terms of office-building scale, the complex was envisioned as a central destination for the global diamond trade.