India will assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026. For exam preparation, the update matters not only as an international trade development but also as a Rajasthan economy issue because Jaipur’s diamond cutting and polishing industry is linked to the state’s gem and jewellery sector. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme aims to keep conflict diamonds out of legitimate international trade. Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society. India will take over as Vice Chair from 25 December 2025 and will chair the process in 2026. This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme came into effect on 1 January 2003 and currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States counted as a single participant. Together, participants account for more than 99% of global rough diamond trade.
For Rajasthan, the relevance comes from Jaipur’s diamond cutting, polishing, gem and jewellery activity. A stronger certification system can affect consumer trust in legitimate, conflict-free diamonds, trade compliance and transparency. Prelims can ask facts such as the 1 January 2026 chairpersonship, the 25 December 2025 Vice Chair role, the scheme's 2003 start, 60 participants and coverage of more than 99% of rough diamond trade. In mains answers, it can be used as an example of how global trade standards influence local production and export-linked sectors.