India to Chair Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026

India has been selected to be the Chair of the UN-backed Kimberley Process (KP) for the third time from 1 January 2026. According to Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goya, India's KP leadership reinforces its credibility among diamond producing nations, trading centres, industry and civil society, placing us at the centre of efforts to strengthen transparency, continuity and unity in diamond governance in line with the Modi government's commitment to fostering integrity & transparency in international trade.During our leadership, India's priorities will include:

=Building consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds

=Accelerating digital certification & traceability and

=Strengthening transparency & accountability across the supply chain

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has welcomed India’s selection as the Chair of UN-backed Kimberley Process, starting 2026.A reaffirmation of India’s role in global governance of diamond trade through reform and consensus, he said in a post.

Pleased at India’s selection as the Chair of UN-backed Kimberley Process, starting 2026.

A reaffirmation of ’s role in global governance of diamond trade through reform and consensus.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 25, 2025

The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s nodal agency for the Kimberley Process (KP), has welcomed India’s election as Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2026.

The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society, aimed at preventing the trade in “conflict diamonds”—rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments, as defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

The Kimberley Process is also described in the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) outlines the rules that govern the trade in rough diamonds. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum requirements that each participant must meet. 

(Business Correspondent)