Indian imports of Russian rough diamonds fall 27%, polished diamond exports grow 8% in June - GJEPC

MOSCOW. July 20 (Interfax) - Indian imports of rough diamonds from Russia were estimated at $676 million in June 2026, it follows from preliminary data published by India's Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

Rough diamond imports decreased 27% year-on-year in value terms, a slower rate of decline than 41% in May.

Net imports fell 9% YoY to 6.1 million carats of rough diamonds in June.

India's net synthetic diamond imports were estimated at $137 million in June, more than doubling year-on-year. Diamonds grown in laboratories already made up 21% of the total value of diamond imports.

India's net diamond exports totaled roughly $783 million in June, up 8% YoY.

The war in the Middle East has increased pressure on the diamond market, the Rapaport agency said in June. Dubai-based diamond traders have moved sales elsewhere, raising concerns about access to rough diamonds for Indian diamond cutters.

India is a major buyer of diamonds, primarily small rough diamonds from Russia's Alrosa , and produces 95% of the world's polished diamonds.