Editor’s Note
India will assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process, the global mechanism to curb trade in conflict diamonds, for the third time starting January 1. This role underscores the nation’s continued commitment to ensuring a more ethical and transparent global diamond supply chain.
New Delhi, Dec 25 (PTI) For the third time, India will chair the Kimberley Process (KP), a global initiative to remove conflict diamonds from the global supply chain, from January 1 next year, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
KP is a joint initiative of different countries, industry and civil societies to control the flow of conflict diamonds, which are used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments in the world.
As defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions, conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments in the world.
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.
It currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant. Together, the participants account for over 99 per cent of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.
India is a global player in diamond cutting and polishing.
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.