GJEPC Leads Gem & Jewellery Sector During President Murmu’s Historic State Visit to Botswana
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) proudly led India’s gem and jewellery sector delegation during the State Visit of Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, to the Republic of Botswana from 11th to 14th November 2025.
This visit holds exceptional significance as Smt. Droupadi Murmu is the first Head of State from India in history to visit Botswana, marking a monumental milestone in India–Botswana diplomatic relations.
The Indian business delegation was invited officially by the Government of Botswana and coordinated by the South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI) under the leadership of Mr. Nikhil Madrasi, President, SGCCI.
Representing India’s diamond and gem & jewellery sector, GJEPC’s delegation comprised:
Shri Jayanti Savaliya, Regional Chairman – Gujarat, GJEPC (Delegation Lead, Gem & Jewellery Sector)
Shri Hitesh Shah, Venus Jewel
Shri Darshak Narola, Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK)
Shri Brijesh Dholakia, Hari Krishna Exports
Mr. Rajat Wani, Deputy Director, GJEPC
This strong representation highlighted Surat’s global leadership in diamonds and reinforced India’s commitment to deepening engagement with Botswana, one of the world’s largest diamond-producing nations.
A Historic Honour: Special Presidential State Dinner
In a distinguished gesture reflecting the warmth of the bilateral partnership, the Indian delegation received a special invitation from H.E. Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, to attend the Presidential State Dinner hosted in honour of President Murmu.
During the event, Shri Jayanti Savaliya had the rare privilege of presenting a custom-designed memento to President Boko. The piece was conceptualized and designed personally by Shri Savaliya, who sought to create a gift that represented:
The ancient artistic heritage of Surat
A symbolic representation of India
India’s excellence in jewellery craftsmanship
About the Memento
The masterpiece memento draws from the celebrated marquetry tradition of GI-tagged Surat Sadeli, executed with exceptional precision by the Petigara family, National Award-winning artisans. This intricate craft traces its origins to the Persian “Khatam” technique, historically preserved by Parsi artisans.
The memento harmonizes art, heritage, and friendship, featuring a gold-plated silver brooch in the form of India’s new Parliament, adorned in tri-colour. It stands as a tribute to shared cultural heritage and the deep trust that forms the foundation of the India–Botswana partnership. President Boko expressed admiration for the craftsmanship and symbolic depth of the piece.
President of Botswana Appreciates White Paper on Diamond Trade Cooperation
In a landmark moment, President Boko held a special meeting with the Indian diamond delegation.
During this engagement, he reviewed the White Paper on strengthening India–Botswana cooperation in the rough diamond trade, authored by Mr. Rajat Wani, Deputy Director, GJEPC.
The President carefully studied the document and praised its depth of research, analytical clarity, and practical recommendations. He conveyed appreciation to GJEPC for providing such a valuable, forward-looking contribution to bilateral policy development.
This recognition at the highest level marks a major achievement for GJEPC and for India’s diamond industry.
Proposal for a Strategic Partnership: Gaborone–Surat Twin-City Initiative
The Indian delegation proposed that Gaborone (Botswana) and Surat (India) be declared twin cities, focused specifically on collaboration across the diamond ecosystem.
This pioneering concept aims to foster:
Closer business and trade connectivity
Joint skill development and knowledge sharing
Technical cooperation on diamond processing and governance
Cultural and institutional linkages between the two diamond capitals
The proposal received encouraging attention and could lay the foundation for a new era of bilateral industry synergy.
High-Level Engagements with ODC and Diamond Hub Botswana
Meeting with Okavango Diamond Company (ODC)
The delegation held detailed discussions with Mr. Mmetla Masire, Managing Director of Okavango Diamond Company (ODC)—Botswana’s fully government-owned rough diamond marketing enterprise.
Mr. Masire expressed strong interest in expanding direct ties with Indian manufacturers and assured that ODC plans to sell rough diamonds directly in Surat. He confirmed ODC’s intention to operate from the upcoming Special Notified Zone (SNZ) at the Surat International DiaTrade Centre (Surat Diamond Bourse), once Customs approval is granted.If notified soon, ODC will become the first mining company to offer rough stones from the new SNZ, reinforcing Surat’s status as the world’s largest diamond manufacturing hub.
Meeting with Diamond Hub Botswana
The Indian delegation also met Mr. Jacob Thamage, Coordinator, Diamond Hub Botswana, under the Ministry of Minerals and Energy. The discussions focused on regulatory cooperation, Kimberley Process compliance, and future trade facilitation in the rough diamond sector.
Engagement with BITC: Exploring Investment Horizons
The Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) coordinated the delegation’s schedule and presented comprehensive briefings on:
Investment opportunities across sectors
Botswana’s economic vision
Opportunities in downstream diamond activities
Future collaboration areas with Indian industries
BITC’s extensive support ensured meaningful engagement and strategic outcomes across multiple sectors.
Interaction with Hon’ble President of India
In another significant moment, the Indian diamond delegation was invited by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu to a special lunch interaction with the Indian community in Botswana.
This engagement added a warm cultural dimension to the visit and reinforced the strong bond between India and its diaspora.
Conclusion
The participation of GJEPC in this historic first-ever visit of an Indian Head of State to Botswana resulted in a series of transformative outcomes:
Appreciation of GJEPC’s White Paper at the Presidential level
A promising proposal to establish Gaborone and Surat as twin cities
ODC’s commitment to supply rough diamonds directly to Surat
Strengthened ties with Diamond Hub Botswana and BITC
Deepened diplomatic goodwill through cultural exchange, business collaboration, and community interaction
This mission has set the stage for a new era of India–Botswana partnership, especially in the diamond ecosystem. With Surat and Gaborone emerging as twin pillars of the global diamond value chain, the visit has opened doors for deeper cooperation, mutual growth, and long-term strategic alignment.