India to assume chair of Kimberly Process from Jan 1 for third time
KP is a joint initiative of different countries, industries and civil societies to control the flow of conflict diamonds that rebel movements use to finance wars against legitimate governments around the world.
India is a global player in diamond cutting and polishing.
Conflict diamonds, as defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions, are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments around the world.
“India will take over the KP Vice Presidency from December 25, 2025, before assuming the presidency in the new year. This will be the third time India has been given the Kimberley Process presidency,” the ministry said. he said.
During his tenure, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance, improving digital certification and traceability, increasing transparency through data-driven tracking, and building consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds.
“India’s leadership as a leading global hub for diamond production and trade has emerged at a time when geopolitics are changing and emphasis on sustainable and responsible sourcing is increasing,” the report said. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established under the UN resolution, came into force on January 1, 2003 and has since evolved into an effective mechanism to curb the conflict diamond trade.
It currently has 60 participants; The European Union and its member states are counted as the only participants. Together, participants account for more than 99 percent of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.
