Editor’s Note
India is set to lead the Kimberley Process, the global initiative against conflict diamonds, starting January 1, 2026. This marks the third time the country will chair this critical international effort.
India will assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from January 1, 2026, after being selected by the KP Plenary, marking the third time the country has been entrusted with leading the global initiative against conflict diamonds.
India will take over as Vice Chair from December 25, 2025, ahead of formally assuming the chair in the new year.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite international initiative involving governments, the diamond industry and civil society, aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds—rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established under a UN resolution in 2003, now has 60 participants, accounting for over 99 per cent of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing the sector.
As a leading global hub for diamond manufacturing and trade, India will use its tenure to strengthen governance and compliance, advance digital certification and traceability, enhance transparency through data-driven monitoring and build consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.
India will work closely with all KP participants and observers to reinforce confidence in the system, ensure rule-based compliance and make the Kimberley Process a more inclusive and effective multilateral framework.
