India Set to Lead the Kimberley Process: What This Means for Global Diamond Trade
India's New Role in the Kimberley Process
New Delhi: On Thursday, the government announced that India has been chosen to take on the role of Chairperson for the Kimberley Process (KP) starting January 1, 2026.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized that this selection showcases the global confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, particularly in its dedication to fostering integrity and transparency in international trade.
As the Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India aims to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to bolster trust in the Kimberley Process, ensure adherence to rules, and enhance its credibility, aligning with its fundamental goals and the changing global landscape. The focus will be on transforming the KP into a more inclusive and effective multilateral framework.
The Kimberley Process is a collaborative initiative involving governments, the diamond industry, and civil society, designed to prevent the trade of 'conflict diamonds'—rough diamonds exploited by rebel factions to fund conflicts that threaten legitimate governments, as outlined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.
India will assume the role of KP Vice Chair starting December 25, leading to its chairpersonship in the upcoming year. This marks the third occasion India has been entrusted with this leadership position, according to the ministry.
As a prominent global center for diamond manufacturing and trade, India's leadership comes at a pivotal moment characterized by shifting geopolitical dynamics and an increasing focus on sustainable and responsible sourcing.
During its term, India plans to enhance governance and compliance, promote digital certification and traceability, improve transparency through data-driven monitoring, and foster consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established under a UN resolution, has been operational since January 1, 2003, evolving into a robust mechanism aimed at curbing the trade of conflict diamonds.
Currently, the Kimberley Process comprises 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single entity. Collectively, these participants represent over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most extensive international framework governing this sector.