Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India will be among the world’s top three economies in his third term as the prime minister of the country. He said this after inaugurating the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) which is hailed as the world’s largest office annexe spanning over 67 lakh square feet of floor space. He said SDB showcases the abilities of Indian designs, designers, materials and concepts and it is a symbol of “new India’s capabilities and resolutions”.
“Surat has contributed significantly to Gujarat and the country, but in my opinion, it has even greater potential. According to me, this is just the beginning, and we need to move forward. As you all know, in the last 10 years, India has risen above the tenth position in global economic strength and is now ranked fifth in the world.
Now, your Prime Minister Modi guarantees that in his third innings, India will definitely be among the top three economies in the world,” he said.
Modi assumed office in 2014 and secured a second term after the BJP-led alliance’s victory in the 2019 elections.
With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections next year, Modi is eyeing re-election.
“The government has also set targets for the next 25 years—whether it’s a $5 trillion or $10 trillion goal, we are working towards all of them. We are also working on taking the country’s exports to record heights. In this regard, the responsibility of Surat, especially its diamond industry, has increased manifold. All the industry leaders of Surat are present here, and the city should decide how it can contribute to the country’s growing exports,” he said.
The newly constructed SDB, located in Khajod village near Surat city, spread in a sprawling 35.54 acres and built at Rs 3,400 crore, is positioned to be a global centre for rough and polished diamond trading. Surat’s diamond industry, currently generating a business of 2 lakh crores, is anticipated to double to 4 lakh crores with the realisation of the Diamond Bourse.
The extensive 65 lakh sq. ft. Bourse features a spacious entrance, reception area, security surveillance and control room, trading hall, self-deposit vault, museum, food zone, bank, customs office, amphitheatre, money transfer desk, travel desk, retail zone, and auction facilities.
The Bourse comprises a total of 9 towers with a ground floor, 15 additional floors, and 2 basements.
“One more diamond is added to Surat’s grandeur.
The diamond is not small but the world’s best. Even the biggest buildings of the world look pale before the shine of this diamond. Whenever one talks about this diamond bourse in the world, Surat and India will be mentioned,” the PM said.
