India Assumes Vice Chair of Kimberley Process on December 25, 2025; Chairs the Global Diamond Certification Body in 2026

India officially assumed the Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) on December 25, 2025 and has chaired it since January 1, 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced. This will be the third time India has been entrusted with leading the global initiative, underscoring the country's growing stature in responsible diamond trade governance.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal welcomed the decision, stating that India's selection reflects the global community's trust in the countrys commitment to integrity, transparency and responsible trade practices under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said India would use its chairmanship to strengthen the KPCS as a robust, future-ready, and technology-driven framework aligned with contemporary realities.

The Kimberley Process is a tripartite mechanism involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society, established pursuant to United Nations resolution. The scheme has been operational since January 1, 2003 and covers more than 60 participants — with the European Union and its member states counted as one participant — accounting for over 99 percent of the global rough diamond trade.

During its chairmanship, India has committed to four priorities — strengthening governance and compliance, advancing digital certification and traceability, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, and building consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds. India is the world's largest cutting and polishing hub, making this leadership role significant for both global diamond supply chains and the approximately one million people employed in India's gems and jewellery sector, with major hubs including Surat in Gujarat and export participation from several states.