- India on Tuesday inaugurated the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai under its Chairship, bringing together global representatives from participating countries, industry bodies and civil society groups to discuss the future of responsible and sustainable diamond trade.
- The four-day meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, is focused on strengthening monitoring, compliance and consumer confidence in the global natural diamond value chain amid evolving international challenges.
India’s Chairship theme for 2026 centres on the “3Cs” – credibility, compliance and consumer confidence – with a focus on promoting responsibly sourced natural diamonds through international cooperation and dialogue
- The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established following the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 adopted in 2000 to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate global diamond trade. The initiative currently includes 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its member states participating as a single bloc.
- Together, KP participants account for over 99 per cent of global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.
- India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026. As one of the world’s leading centres for diamond cutting and polishing, India has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing transparency, sustainability and responsible sourcing in the global diamond industry.
- 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. 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.
The Intersessional Meeting will feature deliberations by various working groups and committees on key aspects of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), including monitoring and compliance measures, artisanal and alluvial diamond production, statistical systems and steps to reinforce confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds.