Particle.news
Download on the App Store

India to Chair UN-Backed Kimberley Process From January 1, 2026

India sets a focus on digital certification, traceability and data-driven oversight to strengthen consumer trust in conflict-free diamonds.

Overview

  • India assumed the Kimberley Process Vice-Chair on December 25, 2025 and will take over as Chair on January 1, marking its third term after 2008 and 2019.
  • The Commerce Ministry outlined priorities that include stronger governance and compliance, digital certification, supply-chain traceability, and transparency through data monitoring.
  • The Kimberley Process is a tripartite system of governments, industry and civil society created under a UN resolution, with its certification scheme in force since 2003 to curb conflict diamonds.
  • Membership stands at 60 participants that account for over 99% of global rough diamond trade, with the United Arab Emirates handing over the chair at the start of 2026.
  • Ministers Piyush Goyal and S. Jaishankar welcomed the selection, framing it as a vote of confidence in India’s role in global diamond governance and efforts to build consumer confidence.