GANDHINAGAR : PM Narendra Modi on Monday called upon the diamond industry in Surat and urge them to take a initiative to help and make India, a number one destination in gems and jewellery sector.
Modi who arrived in Surat on Sunday night to a tumultuous welcome had a staccato line of engagements through the day on Monday covering South Gujarat and Saurashtra, both key regions in a state slated to go to polls later this year.
Speaking in Surat after inaugurating a diamond export unit, Modi urged the industry to benchmark the best in the world and work to excel with imagination and drive. “Surat is India’s diamond cutting and polishing hub which cuts, polishes and exports 80 per cent of the total diamond exports of the country while Israel stands out as a world player in the field.”
The PM pointed out that he would soon be going to Israel. ”Iam doing so on your behalf,” he added while urging the industry to work towards establishing India as the global gems and jewellery marketplace. “The Indian artisan has the expertise to develop jewellery in tandem with seasons and for every section of society. Now he needs to be guided to align himself with global needs and demand to make space for this Indian expertise globally.
