Editor’s Note
India’s upcoming leadership of the Kimberley Process in 2026 marks a significant endorsement of its role in fostering a transparent and responsible global diamond trade.
India will assume the Chairmanship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from January 1, 2026. The decision was made by the KP Plenary and underscores the growing international confidence in India’s role as a reliable actor in global trade and multilateral structures.
India will take on the role of Vice-Chair from December 25, 2025, before officially assuming the Chairmanship at the start of the year. This marks the third time India has been entrusted with this responsible role.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite international initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society organizations. Its goal is to prevent the trade in so-called conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used to finance armed conflicts and undermine legitimate governments, as defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) came into force on January 1, 2003 and has since developed into one of the most important global instruments for regulating the rough diamond trade.
The Kimberley Process currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as one participant. Together, they account for over 99 percent of global rough diamond trade – a clear sign of the international importance of this mechanism.
India’s chairmanship comes at a strategically important time. The country is one of the world’s most significant hubs for diamond cutting, processing, and trading. Centers like Surat are deeply integrated into global supply chains, connecting producing countries, markets, and consumers worldwide.
Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal welcomed the decision, stating:
During its tenure as Vice-Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India aims to strategically advance the Kimberley Process. Announced focus areas include:
- Strengthening governance and compliance structures
- Promoting digital certification and traceability
- Increasing transparency through data-based monitoring
- Strengthening consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds
This agenda addresses the changing global expectations for sustainable and responsible supply chains and aims to future-proof the Kimberley Process.
India has announced it will work closely with all participants and observers to strengthen trust in the Kimberley Process, ensure consistent rules-based implementation, and consolidate the system’s credibility long-term. In a phase of increasing geopolitical tensions, a functioning multilateral framework gains particular importance.
By assuming the chairmanship, India sends a clear signal for responsible trade, international cooperation, and global transparency – thereby reinforcing the claim that diamonds worldwide stand for value, not for conflict.
