Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat diamond exchange on Sunday, which has surpassed the Pentagon to become the largest office in the world.
It was completed in July at a cost of ₹32 billion ($385 million), with a constructed area of 6.7 million square feet. The US landmark covers 6.5 million square feet and was first opened in 1943.
The bourse consists of a modern Customs Clearance House for import-export, a jewellery mall for retail jewellery companies, a facility for international banking, and safe vaults.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Indian prime minister stated the “Surat Diamond Bourse is a game-changer for the country’s economy - a symbol of steadfast commitment to excellence in the realm of precious gems”.
The complex, which is part of Diamond Research and Mercantile City, is modelled after the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (Gift City), Modi's flagship project. The Surat Diamond Bourse, with its nine 15-storey towers and 4,700 offices, is much larger than its international counterpart, the Israel Diamond Exchange.
As the "Diamond City", Surat is a major player in the processing of about 90% of the world's rough diamonds, and this event further solidifies its status. Surat's skill in cutting and polishing diamonds has improved its standing in the international diamond trade, whereas Mumbai has historically been India's hub for diamond exports.