SURAT, India – Ajay Lakum has been a diamond worker his entire adult life, like his father before him. His wages as a sorter were modest but the work was steady, helping Lakum support his 10-person household and contribute to his mother’s cancer treatments.

About two weeks ago, he was among a group of 20 workers told abruptly not to show up the next day. He has called dozens of companies looking for work, he said, but none are hiring. All he can think about are the bills coming due.

“I am very stressed,” said Lakum, 35. “My mental health is ruined.”

He is a direct casualty of the escalating trade war between the United States and India. Nearly every diamond sold in the world is first cut and polished in the city of Surat, in western Gujarat state. The United States is the single largest

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