News: The Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has selected India to assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process with effect from 1 January 2026. This will be the third occasion on which India has been entrusted with the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process.
About Kimberley Process and India’s Role
- The Kimberley Process is a tripartite international initiative involving governments, the global diamond industry, and civil society.
- Objective: To prevent the trade in “conflict diamonds” that are used to finance armed conflicts and undermine legitimate governments
- Origin: The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was established pursuant to a United Nations resolution and became operational on 1 January 2003 as a mechanism to curb the trade in conflict diamonds.
- Members: The Kimberley Process currently comprises 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States counted collectively as a single participant.
- Together, Kimberley Process participants account for more than 99% of global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international regulatory framework governing this sector.
India’s Role
- India was a founding participant of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2003.
- As the Chair in 2026, India will work closely with all Kimberley Process participants and observers to reinforce trust in the initiative.
- Key Objective during the chairmanship: Enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring and building consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds.
- India will aim to ensure rule-based compliance, enhance the credibility of the Kimberley Process, and contribute to making it a more inclusive, effective, and robust multilateral framework aligned with evolving global expectations.
