Recently, the Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has selected India to take on the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process starting from January 1, 2026. This prestigious role will mark India's third time leading this important initiative.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative that encompasses governments, the international diamond industry, and civil society. Its primary aim is to prevent the trade in “conflict diamonds.” These diamonds are rough stones that are exploited by rebel groups or their affiliates to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments, as defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The governance of the KP involves a systematic rotation of leadership. Each year, the Vice-Chair is designated to become the Chair the following year, with both positions appointed by consensus during the Plenary. Currently, the KP includes 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union counted as a single participant.
India has played a significant role in the Kimberley Process since its inception. The country has been actively involved in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), which is the mechanism used to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. Launched in 2003, the KPCS is enforced individually by participating countries to ensure that rough diamonds in the legitimate supply chain meet KP compliance standards.
In India, the Department of Commerce serves as the nodal department for the KPCS. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has been designated as the KPCS Importing and Exporting Authority. GJEPC is responsible for issuing KP Certificates and acts as the custodian of KP Certificates received in the country.
The KP is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in the diamond trade. By ensuring that diamonds sold in the market do not finance violence, the initiative helps stabilize regions affected by conflict. With India taking the helm in 2026, there is a potential for renewed focus on enhancing compliance and addressing challenges in the diamond supply chain.
Q1. What is the Kimberley Process?
Answer: The Kimberley Process is an international initiative aimed at preventing the trade of conflict diamonds, involving governments, the diamond industry, and civil society.
Q2. When will India assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process?
Answer: India will assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026, marking its third term in this role.
Q3. What does the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) do?
Answer: The KPCS is a mechanism that ensures only conflict-free diamonds enter the legitimate supply chain, initiated in 2003 and enforced by KP participant countries.
Q4. Who oversees the KPCS in India?
Answer: The Department of Commerce acts as the nodal department, while the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is responsible for issuing and managing KP Certificates.
Q5. Why is the Kimberley Process important?
Answer: The Kimberley Process is vital for preventing the financing of conflicts through diamond sales, helping to ensure ethical practices in the diamond trade.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of the Kimberley Process?
A) To promote diamond trade globally
B) To prevent the trade of conflict diamonds
C) To enhance diamond mining techniques
D) To regulate diamond prices
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who will be the chair of the Kimberley Process in 2026?
A) United States
B) India
C) South Africa
D) Brazil
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: When was the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme launched?
A) 1999
B) 2000
C) 2003
D) 2005
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: Which organization in India is responsible for issuing KP Certificates?
A) RBI
B) GJEPC
C) Ministry of Commerce
D) CII
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How many countries are currently participants in the Kimberley Process?
A) 50
B) 60
C) 70
D) 86
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is a conflict diamond?
A) A diamond used in jewelry
B) A diamond mined legally
C) A diamond used to finance violence
D) A diamond sourced from India
Correct Answer: C
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