Diamond Despair: Surat's Struggle Amid Global Sanctions

The diamond industry in Surat, Gujarat faces a severe job crisis due to the Russia-Ukraine war and resulting sanctions on Russian diamonds by G7 countries. Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil criticizes the Indian government for inaction, with diamond exports plummeting and factories struggling to survive.

The diamond industry in Surat, Gujarat, is grappling with an unprecedented crisis of joblessness and recession, largely due to the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil has called on the Indian government to intervene, highlighting that the sector, a major employment provider for approximately 25 lakh families, now teeters on the brink.

Gohil has pointed blame at the G7 countries' sanctions on Russian diamonds, which are predominantly processed in India. As a result, numerous workers have been left jobless, with some reportedly taking their own lives due to the despair. Surat, including cities like Navsari and Ahmedabad, forms the epicenter of this economic maelstrom, where factories are closing as diamond exports plummet.

Reports indicate a steep decline in diamond exports from USD 23 billion in 2022 to USD 16 billion in 2023, with projections dipping further. Gohil questions the lack of response from India's central government, urging immediate diplomatic efforts with Western nations to alleviate the crisis and assist the struggling industry and its workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)