The largest diamond center in the world now has the ability to become the largest diamond exporting center in the world, after building the required security facilities, Rough and Polished reports. The airport in Surat, India has now been equipped with a "strongroom" intended for handling high-value cargo and will be functional within days.

The new addition will permit Surat diamond traders, the most numerous of anywhere worldwide, to export their wares directly, instead of having to first ship their rough and polished diamonds to Mumbai. To be clear, the clearance will still have to be acquired from Katargam, and the precious gems will still fly to an international airport before they depart to their respective destinations abroad.

Once the Airport Authority of India gives its final approval for the project, the Surat Hira Bourse will take over operations at the new facility, as the city's custom clearance center, according to Rough and Polished.