India’s net imports of rough diamonds in August 2025 were $730 million, up 13 percent from a year ago, according to preliminary data from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
Shipments (6.44 million carats) were 16 per cent higher than a year ago.
According to calculations, diamond imports in August were 27 per cent below the 2017-2023 average, while polished diamond exports were half the average for the period. Year-on-year, there was a slight increase in imports, which can be explained, in particular, by the low base of the previous year.
In July, India’s rough diamond imports were valued at $1.15 billion, 16% higher than the 2024 data.
Synthetic diamond imports in August were 37 per cent below a year ago at $75 million.
India’s net polished diamond exports in August were down 7 per cent from a year ago to about $860 million. The volume of exports (1.29 million carats) was 3.6 per cent below a year ago.
In July, polished diamond exports were valued at $1.01bn and were 18% higher YoY.
India is one of the main buyers of diamonds, primarily small rough diamonds from Russia, and the world’s largest diamond production centre, with 95% of the world’s polished diamonds produced in this country.