Editor’s Note
This article discusses India’s upcoming chairmanship of the Kimberley Process, a critical international initiative aimed at ensuring diamonds are sourced ethically and do not fund conflict.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is an international mechanism established in 2003 to prevent “conflict diamonds” – rough diamonds used to finance rebel movements and wars – from entering the legitimate global diamond trade. It brings together governments, industry representatives, and civil society organizations.
The scheme requires member countries to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are conflict-free. The KPCS currently covers over 99% of the global trade in rough diamonds.
India is set to assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process in 2026. During its tenure, a key focus area is expected to be enhancing digital tracking systems and governance frameworks within the diamond supply chain.
