India assumed the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from January 1, 2026, taking over from the UAE which held the chair in 2025. This is India's third term as KP Chair (previous terms: 2019 and earlier). The Kimberley Process is a multilateral initiative established to certify that rough diamonds traded internationally are 'conflict-free' — i.e., not used to finance rebel movements or wars against legitimate governments. Established on January 1, 2003, following the UN General Assembly Resolution 55/56, the KP currently has 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its member states counting as one participant. The KP Certification Scheme (KPCS) requires participating governments to certify that rough diamond shipments are free of conflict diamonds, with each shipment accompanied by a tamper-resistant certificate. India's nodal agency for KP participation is the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry overseeing India's KP engagement. During its chairpersonship, India has committed to priorities including: strengthening KP governance and decision-making transparency; advancing digital certification systems to reduce fraud and improve supply chain traceability; expanding KP's definition of 'conflict diamonds' to cover a broader range of human rights violations; and building capacity among smaller KP participants in Africa and Asia. India is one of the world's largest diamond processing hubs — Surat in Gujarat accounts for approximately 90% of the world's rough diamond cutting and polishing. A stronger KP governance framework directly supports India's diamond processing industry by ensuring ethical supply chain credentials for Indian-cut diamonds in the global market.
India Assumes Kimberley Process Chairmanship for 2026: Focus on Conflict-Free Diamond Trade, Digital Certification, and Governance Reform
India assumed the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from January 1, 2026, taking over from the UAE which held the chair in 2025. This is India's third term as KP Chair (previous terms: 2019 and earlier). The Kimberley Process is a multilateral initiative established to certify that rough diamonds traded internationally are 'conflict-free' — i.e., not used to finance rebel movements or wars against legitimate governments. Established on January 1, 2003, following the UN General Assembly Resolution 55/56, the KP currently has 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its member states counting as one participant. The KP Certification Scheme (KPCS) requires participating governments to certify that rough diamond shipments are free of conflict diamonds, with each shipment accompanied by a tamper-resistant certificate. India's nodal agency for KP participation is the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry overseeing India's KP engagement. During its chairpersonship, India has committed to priorities including: strengthening KP governance and decision-making transparency; advancing digital certification systems to reduce fraud and improve supply chain traceability; expanding KP's definition of 'conflict diamonds' to cover a broader range of human rights violations; and building capacity among smaller KP participants in Africa and Asia. India is one of the world's largest diamond processing hubs — Surat in Gujarat accounts for approximately 90% of the world's rough diamond cutting and polishing. A stronger KP governance framework directly supports India's diamond processing industry by ensuring ethical supply chain credentials for Indian-cut diamonds in the global market.
Key facts
- India assumed Kimberley Process Chairmanship for 2026, taking over from the UAE.
- This is India's third term as KP Chair, with previous terms in 2019 and earlier.
- The Kimberley Process certifies that rough diamonds in international trade are conflict-free.
- India's priorities include digital certification and governance reforms in diamond trade.
- KP was established on January 1, 2003, following a UNGA resolution to curb conflict diamonds.
- India is the world's largest diamond cutting and polishing hub, processing 90% of global rough diamonds.
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From which country did India take over the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process starting January 1, 2026?
The article clearly notes that India assumed the Kimberley Process Chair from January 1, 2026, taking over from the UAE which had held the chair during 2025.
Frequently asked questions
When did India assume the Kimberley Process Chairmanship and from which country did it take over?
India assumed the Kimberley Process (KP) Chairpersonship from January 1, 2026, taking over from the UAE which had held the chair in 2025. This is India's third term as KP Chair, with previous terms in 2019 and an earlier year.
What is the Kimberley Process and when was it established?
The Kimberley Process is a multilateral initiative established on January 1, 2003, following a UN General Assembly resolution to certify that rough diamonds in international trade are 'conflict-free' — meaning they are not used to finance rebel movements or wars against legitimate governments.
What are India's priorities as the 2026 Kimberley Process Chair?
India's key priorities as KP Chair for 2026 include advancing digital certification of rough diamond trade, pushing for governance reforms within the KP framework, and strengthening mechanisms to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the global supply chain.
Why is India's role in the Kimberley Process particularly significant?
India is the world's largest diamond cutting and polishing hub, processing approximately 90% of global rough diamonds. This makes India's oversight role in the KP critically important for ensuring the integrity of the global diamond supply chain.
How many members does the Kimberley Process have and what is the significance of KP membership?
The Kimberley Process has over 80 members representing governments, the diamond industry, and civil society organisations. KP membership requires participant countries to implement controls at import and export points and certify that rough diamond shipments are conflict-free using the KP Certificate of Origin.
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