Editor’s Note
India is set to assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process in 2026, a key international mechanism aimed at curbing the trade in conflict diamonds. This will be India’s third time leading the initiative, reflecting its ongoing role in global efforts to ensure ethical sourcing in the diamond industry.
News emerged last week that India will chair the Kimberley Process beginning Jan. 1, with Ghana serving as vice chair for the year.
New Delhi—India will serve as chair of the Kimberley Process in 2026, marking its third time heading the initiative designed to prevent “conflict” diamonds from entering the supply pipeline.
The Indian government announced the news via a press release issued Thursday, with Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal stating:
Normally, the country that is KP vice chair takes over the chairmanship the following year, but that was not the case in 2025. Thailand originally was selected as vice chair this year but withdrew early in the year.
The KP operated without a vice chair for most of 2025 and failed to reach a consensus on which country should be chair for 2026 at its annual Plenary meeting held in Dubai in November. (The KP requires complete consensus from all members for any measure to pass.)
However, following the meeting, a vote was taken via written procedure initiated on Dec. 5, with KP participants unanimously selecting India to take over as vice chair, effective Dec. 25, a move that allows it to assume the chair position starting Jan. 1.
Ghana was selected as vice chair at the Plenary, meaning the African nation is positioned to chair the process in 2027.
In a press release circulated last week, India’s main trade body, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, said it welcomes the country’s selection as KP chair for 2026.
GJEPC Chair Kirit Bhansali said:
