Editor’s Note
India is set to take on the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process, the international certification scheme for rough diamonds, in 2026. This leadership role highlights the country’s growing influence in global trade governance.
New Delhi, Dec 25: India has been selected to assume the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) starting January 1, 2026, according to a Commerce Ministry announcement.
As Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India aims to work with all KP participants to reinforce confidence, ensure compliance with rules, and enhance the framework’s credibility amidst evolving global expectations.
The Kimberley Process is a cooperative initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society to prevent the trade of “conflict diamonds,” which are used by rebel groups to finance conflicts.
India’s leadership comes during a period marked by changes in geopolitics and a growing focus on sustainable sourcing. During its tenure, India plans to strengthen governance and compliance, improve digital certification and traceability, enhance transparency through data-driven monitoring, and build consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.
The KP, established in 2003, currently consists of 60 participants and accounts for over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, serving as the most comprehensive international mechanism governing the sector.