Surat is a major city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. Situated on the banks of the river Tapti near its confluence with the Arabian Sea, it serves as the administrative capital of the Surat district. The name Surat translates directly to "face" in Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu.
Historically a large seaport, the city is currently one of the largest urban areas in western India and functions as the commercial and economic center of South Gujarat. It is ranked as the second-largest city in Gujarat after Ahmedabad, and it stands as the eighth-largest city by population and ninth-largest urban agglomeration in India.
The city is well-known for its established diamond and textile industries. Surat serves as a major supply center for apparel and accessories, notably accounting for approximately 90% of the world's diamonds being cut and polished.