India Takes Helm of Kimberley Process for Third Time
India has officially assumed the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026, marking its third tenure leading the global initiative dedicated to eradicating the trade in 'conflict diamonds'. This significant development follows a consensus vote at the Kimberley Process Plenary on December 5, 2025, where India was elected to the role. India also took over as Vice-Chair on December 25, 2025, before transitioning to the full chairpersonship on January 1, 2026.
The selection of India comes after more than a year of uncertainty surrounding the KP's leadership, with several countries either withdrawing their candidacies or being rejected. Ghana has been appointed as the Vice-Chair for 2026 and is anticipated to assume the chairmanship in 2027.
Understanding the Kimberley Process
The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme established in 2003. Its primary objective is to prevent rough diamonds, known as 'conflict diamonds,' from being used by rebel groups to finance armed conflicts against legitimate governments. The KP operates as a tripartite initiative, involving governments, the global diamond industry, and civil society organizations. It enforces a certification scheme that requires all rough diamond shipments to be accompanied by a valid KP certificate, ensuring their conflict-free origin. The scheme covers 60 participants, representing 86 countries, and accounts for over 99% of the global rough diamond trade.
India's Strategic Role and Future Agenda
India's leadership in the KP is particularly significant due to its pivotal role in the global diamond value chain. While not a major producer of rough diamonds, India is the world's leading hub for diamond cutting and polishing, with major centers in Surat and Mumbai. It imports approximately 40% of the total global rough diamond imports. This strategic position provides India with unique leverage to influence global diamond governance.
During its 2026 chairmanship, India is expected to prioritize several key areas:
- Strengthening Governance and Compliance: Enhancing the effectiveness and adherence to KP regulations.
- Advancing Digital Certification and Traceability: Exploring and implementing modern technologies, such as blockchain, to improve the transparency and traceability of diamonds.
- Enhancing Transparency: Utilizing data-driven monitoring to ensure greater openness in the diamond trade.
- Building Consumer Trust: Reinforcing confidence in the ethical sourcing of conflict-free diamonds.
- Broadening the Scope of 'Conflict Diamonds': Advocating for discussions to expand the definition of 'conflict diamonds' to include human rights risks beyond rebel insurgencies.
- Capacity Building: Supporting African diamond-producing nations through technical assistance and training.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed India's selection, stating it 'reaffirmed its growing role in global governance of the diamond trade through reform and consensus.' Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also highlighted that the decision reflects 'global trust in the Modi government's commitment to fostering integrity and transparency in international trade.'
5 Comments
Donatello
This reaffirms India's growing global influence and commitment to ethical trade.
Leonardo
Capacity building for African nations is a commendable goal; however, ensuring that these initiatives translate into tangible improvements on the ground and not just rhetoric will be the true test of this new leadership.
Donatello
Another PR stunt. This process is fundamentally flawed and ineffective.
Raphael
India's role as a major diamond hub certainly gives it influence, yet the KP's past struggles with enforcement and accountability remain significant challenges that need direct addressing.
Donatello
India's just protecting its own industry interests, not genuinely fighting conflict diamonds.