During his state visit to the United States in June 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a unique gift to First Lady Jill Biden—a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond. This eco-friendly diamond was crafted using sustainable practices, including solar and wind energy, and was placed in an exquisite papier-mâché box from Kashmir, a craft with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag known for its intricate hand-painted designs.
The diamond symbolizes India’s growing prominence in the lab-grown diamond (LGD) industry. Produced using advanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) technology, the diamond is a testament to India’s capabilities in sustainable and innovative manufacturing. It emits significantly lower carbon emissions (0.028 grams per carat) compared to traditionally mined diamonds, reflecting India’s commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
Lab-grown diamonds have gained global recognition for their sustainability and versatility, with applications spanning from jewelry to technology, including semiconductors and 5G networks. India, a major player in this sector, has also introduced initiatives to boost domestic LGD production, such as waiving customs duties on LGD seeds and funding research through IIT Madras.
This thoughtful gift from Prime Minister Modi not only underscores the cultural and technological heritage of India but also highlights its focus on eco-friendly and sustainable practices .
