India to assume chair of global diamond watchdog Kimberley Process from Jan 1, 2026 

India will assume chairmanship of the UN-backed global forum Kimberley Process (KP) to prevent trade of conflict diamonds from January 1 for the third time, Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said. The KP chair oversees the implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and operations of the working groups, committees and administration.

“India will take over as KP Vice Chair from December 25, 2025, before assuming the chairmanship in the new year. This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process,” the ministry said. During its tenure, India will focus on strengthening governance and compliance, advancing digital certification and traceability, enhancing transparency through data-driven monitoring, and building consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds. “As a leading global hub for diamond manufacturing and trade, India’s leadership comes at a time of shifting geopolitics and growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible sourcing,” it said.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to a UN resolution, came into effect on 1 January 2003 and has since evolved into an effective mechanism for curbing the trade in conflict diamonds. It currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant. Together, the participants account for over 99% of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.