Editor’s Note
India will chair the Kimberley Process, the global mechanism to curb trade in conflict diamonds, starting in 2026.
India has been selected to assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process, a global certification system designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering international markets, from 1 January 2026.
Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts against legitimate governments.
The Kimberley Process, a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society, works by allowing trade only in diamonds certified as conflict-free among participating countries.
The decision to hand India the chairpersonship was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary.
India is set to first assume the role of Vice Chair from today (25 December), before formally taking over as Chair in the new year. This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to a UN resolution, came into effect on 1 January 2003 and has since evolved into an effective mechanism for curbing the trade in conflict diamonds.
The Kimberley Process currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States counted as a single participant.
Together, KP participants account for over 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.
Welcoming the decision, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said that India’s selection reflects global trust in the Modi government’s commitment to promoting integrity and transparency in international trade.
India’s leadership comes at a time when ethical sourcing and supply-chain accountability are under increasing global scrutiny.
As one of the world’s largest centres for diamond cutting and polishing, India occupies a central position in the global diamond industry.
According to a statement by the Commerce Ministry, during its tenure, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance, advancing digital certification and traceability, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, and building consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.
