India has been selected to assume the chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process (KP) from January 1, 2026, following a decision by the KP Plenary. India will first take over as Vice Chair from December 25, 2025, marking the third time the country has been entrusted with leading the global initiative.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite framework involving governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society, aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds—rough diamonds used to finance conflicts, as defined under UN Security Council resolutions.
Welcoming the development, Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, said India’s selection reflects global confidence in the Modi government’s commitment to integrity and transparency in international trade.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to a UN resolution, came into force on January 1, 2003 and has since emerged as a key mechanism to curb the trade in conflict diamonds. The KP currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its Member States counted as a single participant, together accounting for over 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade.
As a major global hub for diamond manufacturing and trade, India’s leadership comes amid shifting geopolitics and an increased focus on sustainable and responsible sourcing. During its tenure, India plans to prioritise strengthening governance and compliance, advancing digital certification and traceability, improving data-driven transparency, and enhancing consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.
As Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India will work closely with all participants and observers to reinforce confidence in the Kimberley Process, ensure rule-based compliance, and enhance its credibility, while striving to make the KP a more inclusive and effective multilateral framework aligned with evolving global expectations.