Editor’s Note
India is set to chair the Kimberley Process, a UN-backed initiative to curb the trade in conflict diamonds, starting in 2026. This will be the country’s third time leading the global effort.
India has been selected to assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from January 1, 2026, marking the third time the country will lead the UN-backed global initiative aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds.
The decision was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary, which brings together governments, the international diamond industry and civil society to ensure that rough diamonds are not used to finance armed conflicts or undermine legitimate governments, in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Welcoming the development, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s selection reaffirmed its growing role in global governance of the diamond trade.
he said in a post on X.
India assumed the role of Vice-Chair on December 25, 2025 and will take over the Chair at the start of the New Year. Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said the decision reflected global confidence in India’s commitment to integrity and transparency in international trade under the Modi government.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to a UN resolution, came into effect on January 1, 2003. Over the past two decades, it has emerged as the principal international mechanism to curb the trade in conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant. Collectively, they account for more than 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade.
As a leading global hub for diamond cutting, polishing and trade, India’s leadership comes at a time of heightened focus on responsible and sustainable sourcing. During its tenure, India is expected to prioritise stronger governance and compliance, promote digital certification and traceability, enhance transparency through data-driven monitoring and bolster consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds.
As Vice-Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India will work closely with all participants and observers to strengthen the credibility, inclusiveness and effectiveness of the Kimberley Process as a rules-based multilateral framework.