KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- India selected as Chairperson of the Kimberley Process from January 1, 2026
- Third time India will chair the global diamond governance initiative
- India to assume Vice Chair role from December 25, 2025
- Kimberley Process covers over 99% of global rough diamond trade
- Focus areas include digital certification, traceability, governance, and transparency
- India aims to strengthen consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds
- KP currently has 60 participants, including the EU as a single participant
The Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has, through consensus, selected India to be its Chairperson from January 1, 2026. This is the third time India will chair the Kimberley Process, a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society to prevent the trade in “conflict diamonds”—rough diamonds used by rebel groups or allies to finance conflicts undermining legitimate governments, as defined in UN Security Council resolutions.
“India’s selection reflects global trust in the Modi government’s commitment to fostering integrity and transparency in international trade,” said Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal.
India will assume the role of KP Vice Chair from December 25, 2025, before taking over the Chairpersonship in the new year.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which was set up through a UN resolution, came into effect on January 1, 2003, and has evolved into an effective mechanism for stopping the trade in conflict diamonds. Currently, the Kimberley Process has 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States counting as a single participant. Covering more than 99% of global rough diamond trade, it is the most comprehensive international mechanism in this sector.
As a leading hub for diamond manufacturing and trade, India’s leadership arrives amid shifting geopolitics and rising demands for sustainable sourcing. During its tenure, India’s focus will be on bolstering governance and compliance, advancing digital certification and traceability, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, and building consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.
As Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India will work closely with all participants and observers to strengthen confidence, ensure rule-based compliance, and enhance the credibility of the Kimberley Process, in keeping with its core objectives, evolving global expectations, and to evolve the KP into a more inclusive multilateral framework.
