There are about 8-10 lakh diamond workers in Surat, says Diamond Workers Union Gujarat. Most of these workers are neither permanent nor registered employees on the payroll.
Till now, Surat has been the diamond manufacturing hub & Mumbai the export base. However, Gujarat's ease of doing business & lower costs, could make Surat Diamond Bourse a hub for both.
At least eight diamond workers in Surat have died by suicide in the past three months with about 15,000 laid off while the industry's losses have increased from 1% to 15-20% annually in the last five years.
Surat's diamond industry hit by global slowdown, unrest, and floods in Africa, from where raw diamonds are sourced. Workers union says 20% companies have halted operations.
Despite multiple agencies being involved, the US could maintain a clear chain of command. This is something India should consider too, as it defines the theatre command structures.
The latest comment comes as New Delhi and Washington have yet to sign a trade agreement. India’s purchase of Russian oil has reduced, but Moscow remains top source for crude.
Venezuela also boasts of a diverse portfolio of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and being employed for kinetic purposes as well.
Many of you might think I got something so wrong in National Interest pieces written this year. I might disagree! But some deserve a Mea Culpa. I’d deal with the most recent this week.
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