India is poised to assume the chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) on January 1, 2026, marking its third term in this leadership role. This appointment underscores India's significant role in the global diamond industry and its commitment to ethical sourcing and trade practices. The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative that includes governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society.
What is the Kimberley Process?
Established in 2003, the KPCS is a UN-mandated initiative with the goal of preventing conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade. Conflict diamonds, also known as "blood diamonds," are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts against legitimate governments, as defined by United Nations Security Council resolutions. The KP operates through a certification system that requires member countries to certify that diamond shipments are conflict-free.
The KPCS has 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant. Together, KP participants account for over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.
India's Role and Objectives
India, a founding participant of the Kimberley Process, will take over as KP Vice Chair on December 25, 2025, before assuming the chairpersonship in the new year. 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 several key objectives: * Strengthening governance and compliance: Reinforcing the rules and procedures of the Kimberley Process to ensure effective implementation. * Advancing digital certification and traceability: Promoting the use of technology to track diamonds from mine to market, enhancing transparency and accountability. * Enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring: Utilizing data analysis to identify and address potential risks in the diamond supply chain. * Building consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds: Raising awareness among consumers about the importance of ethical sourcing and the Kimberley Process's role in preventing conflict diamonds from entering the market.
Achievements and Challenges
The Kimberley Process has made significant strides in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds. Before the KPCS was implemented, it was estimated that as much as 15% of the world's diamond trade was conflict-related; today, that number is less than 1%. The KP has also contributed to increased diamond revenues in producing countries and growth in formal sector employment.
Despite its successes, the Kimberley Process faces ongoing challenges: * Enforcement remains inconsistent across participating countries, with capacity gaps in some regions. * Smuggling and certificate fraud continue to challenge the system, particularly in border regions with limited monitoring. * The consensus-based decision-making process can stall progress on critical issues. * The definition of "conflict diamonds" is narrow and doesn't encompass all forms of violence and human rights abuses in diamond mining areas. Civil society organizations, industry leaders, and many member countries have advocated for broadening the definition to include human rights abuses, violence against civilian populations, environmental destruction, and labor rights violations.
GJEPC, India's nodal agency for the Kimberley Process, has welcomed India's election as Chair for 2026. Kirit Bhansali of GJEPC stated that India's selection reflects the international community's trust in the Indian Government's principled and inclusive approach to strengthening global diamond trade through efficient governance of the Kimberley Process. GJEPC has pledged to work closely with the Government of India and all stakeholders to support India's Vice Chairpersonship and subsequent Chairpersonship, advance best practices, strengthen compliance, and reinforce confidence in conflict-free diamonds across global markets.
