A number of diamond brokers were killed in last week's bombings in Mumbai. The overall death toll from the three blasts has climbed to 21. The explosions rocked the Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai's jewelry hub; the Opera House, the city's diamond center; and Dadar Kabutarkhana last Wednesday evening.



Despite the proximity of the explosions to the diamond market, Vice Chairman of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council Sanjay Kothari rebuffed the idea that the diamond industry was actually a target. "In my opinion, the terrorists struck near the diamond market as the place is crowded during evenings and they would have wanted maximum casualties."



Pravin Nanavati, the former president of the Surat Diamond Association, warned that the attacks could affect diamond trade since foreigners could become wary of traveling to Mumbai in the near future. However, he assured that such a setback would be temporary.



Meanwhile, leaders from across the diamond industry were expressing their sorrow and sending condolences to Mumbai. Nishit Parikh, president of Antwerp World Diamond Center, said, "Our thoughts go out to the families of those killed and injured in this terrible attack. We hope the injured make a speedy recovery." President of the Diamond Dealers Club Moshe Mosbacher also expressed horror over the attacks and lent his support to the victims and their families.



Chairman of the GJEPC Rajiv Jain also sent his condolences. "On behalf of GJEPC and the entire gem and jewelry community of India, I convey our most heartfelt condolences to the citizens of Mumbai, following the dastardly terrorist attacks which struck Mumbai.



"GJEPC's deepest sympathy goes out to the families and friends of all those who have lost their lives or are injured in this senseless devastation and cowardly act. The Indian gem and jewelry industry and particularly the diamond industry's voice loudly joins the chorus of all those who rightfully and vociferously condemn these repeated acts of terrorism on the financial capital of the country."



Jain's statement concluded with the determination to keep moving forward and not let such acts of terrorism stop diamond and jewelry business in India. He also urged the Indian government to take extra measures to prevent such attacks in the future.