In 2026, India will head global body that prevents trade in conflict diamonds

The Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has selected India to assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026. The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society, aimed at preventing the trade in “conflict diamonds”—rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments, as defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.

India will take over as KP Vice Chair from 25 December 2025, before assuming the chairpersonship in the new year, marking the third instance when India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process.

India’s Commerce Ministry said that as “Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India is expected to work closely with all participants and observers to ensure rule-based compliance in the Kimberley Process” for a “more inclusive and effective multilateral framework.”

In a statement, the Commerce Ministry said that “as a leading global hub for diamond manufacturing and trade, India’s leadership comes at a time of shifting geopolitics and a growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible sourcing. During its tenure, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance, advancing digital certification and traceability, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, and building consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.”

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to a UN resolution, came into effect on 1 January 2003 and has since evolved into a mechanism to curb the trade in conflict diamonds.

The Process currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States counted as a single participant. Together, KP participants account for over 99% of global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing the sector.