A delegation of Alrosa’s senior management headed by company President Andrey Zharkov was in India last week on a working visit, a statement issued today by Alrosa said. The delegation visited Mumbai and Surat. India is one of ALROSA’s key trade partners, the Company noted.

The Russian miner has strengthened its direct business with India over the last few years. As per the statement, in 2015, companies with Indian capital purchased rough diamonds worth US$ 1.5 billion from Alrosa, including US$ 575 million supplied directly to India. Direct sales to India currently account for 17% of the Company’s aggregate sales, up from the 10% share it represented in 2010.

The Alrosa representatives visited the Special Notified Zone (SNZ) at Bharat Diamond Bourse. Approval for the SNZ was first announced in 2014 at the World Diamond Conference in Delhi by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In December 2015, Alrosa held a pilot tender at the SNZ to test the duty-free import-export system and noted high level of sales organisation.

During the visit, Zharkov attended the inauguration ceremony of the Signature India International Jewellery Show at Mumbai. In his address, he noted the successful efforts of officials and representatives of the industry in India to develop diamond trade between the two countries.

The Alrosa management also held working meetings with the management of Bharat Diamond Bourse and The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) where they discussed the global diamond market situation and potential prospects for further cooperation.

In Surat, the delegation held a number of meetings with the Company’s long-term clients. Some of the Company representatives paid a familiarisation visit to diamond cutting and jewellery manufacturing units and discussed work under long-term contracts with the clients.

Pic Caption: Alrosa President Andrey Zharkov seen with Shri Subhash Desai, Minister for Industries, Govt of Maharashtra at the inauguration of Signature IIJS