Key Highlights
- India reaffirmed its leadership role in the global diamond industry as one of the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing centres.
- India officially commenced the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai under its Chairship.
- The meeting is centred on strengthening credibility, compliance and consumer confidence in the natural diamond sector.
- KP Chair 2026 Shri Suchindra Misra emphasised the importance of trust, transparency and global cooperation in the diamond trade.
- Discussions will focus on compliance mechanisms, artisanal production, responsible sourcing and strengthening the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
India formally commenced the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai under its Chairship, bringing together representatives from KP Participant nations, Observers, industry bodies and civil society stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the global natural diamond trade.
The four-day meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, marks one of the most significant international gatherings for the diamond industry this year and underscores India’s growing leadership role in advancing responsible sourcing, transparency and sustainability across the global diamond pipeline.
Addressing delegates at the inaugural session, KP Chair 2026 Shri Suchindra Misra highlighted the Kimberley Process’ continuing role in supporting peace, protecting livelihoods and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing regions.
He emphasised that maintaining global trust in natural diamonds will require stronger cooperation among Participants, enhanced compliance frameworks and continuous evolution of the Kimberley Process to remain effective in an increasingly dynamic global environment.
Misra further stated that natural diamonds continue to represent a sustainable and responsibly sourced product category, while describing the Kimberley Process as one of the world’s most progressive international certification mechanisms.
Industry Focus Turns to Compliance, Monitoring and Consumer Trust
The Intersessional Meeting will witness extensive discussions among Working Groups and Committees on critical operational and policy matters concerning the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).
Core areas of deliberation include:
- Implementation and strengthening of the KPCS
- Monitoring and compliance systems
- Artisanal and alluvial diamond production
- Trade statistics and reporting mechanisms
- Measures to reinforce confidence in the natural diamond value chain
The meeting is also expected to facilitate dialogue on emerging geopolitical, regulatory and consumer-related challenges impacting the diamond industry globally, particularly at a time when provenance, transparency and ethical sourcing are becoming increasingly central to consumer purchasing behaviour.
Representatives from the Department of Commerce, Government of India, Participants of the Kimberley Process, members of the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition representatives and industry stakeholders are participating in the proceedings.
Commenting on India’s growing role in the global natural diamond ecosystem, Mr Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, stated:
“India today stands at the heart of the global natural diamond industry, not only as the world’s largest cutting and polishing center, but also as one of the fastest-growing diamond jewellery markets globally. As an industry, we remain committed to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting transparency, and working together with global stakeholders to ensure that natural diamonds continue to remain a symbol of trust, aspiration, and shared prosperity across the world.
GJEPC, as co-organizer of the Intersessional under India’s Kimberley Process Chairship, is pleased to support this important global platform that will help strengthen confidence, enhance compliance, and reinforce the credibility of the global diamond ecosystem.”
India’s “3Cs” Agenda Shapes KP Chairship 2026
India’s Chairship theme for 2026 is anchored around the “3Cs” — credibility, compliance and consumer confidence — reflecting the country’s intent to strengthen institutional trust and reinforce the long-term future of responsibly sourced natural diamonds.
The theme aligns closely with broader industry efforts aimed at improving traceability, governance standards and consumer awareness within the natural diamond sector.
India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to collaborative international engagement and responsible diamond trade practices.
As one of the world’s leading diamond cutting and polishing hubs, India continues to occupy a strategically important position in the global natural diamond ecosystem and remains a key stakeholder in shaping future industry standards and policy direction.
Kimberley Process Continues to Hold Strategic Importance
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 (2000) with the objective of preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade.
Today, the Kimberley Process comprises 60 Participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its Member States participating collectively as a single bloc.
At a time when consumer scrutiny around sourcing practices is intensifying globally, the outcomes and discussions emerging from the Mumbai Intersessional Meeting are expected to play an important role in shaping future industry confidence and international cooperation within the natural diamond trade.
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