India Elected Kimberley Process Chair for 2026: GJEPC's Role and Commitment

India is poised to take on a pivotal leadership role in the global diamond industry, with its recent election as the Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2026. This appointment, following a consensus decision, signifies international recognition of India's unwavering dedication to fostering a responsible and ethical diamond trade. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), serving as India's primary authority for the KPCS, has expressed its profound satisfaction with this development, reiterating its commitment to upholding the integrity of the diamond supply chain.

The GJEPC is prepared to work closely with both government entities and various industry participants to ensure a seamless transition and effective tenure. Their focus will be on strengthening existing compliance measures and promoting best practices that bolster confidence in conflict-free diamonds worldwide. This leadership position offers India a unique opportunity to shape the future of the diamond trade, advocating for stability, inclusivity, and effectiveness within the KP framework.

India's Enhanced Role in Global Diamond Governance

India's selection as the Chair for the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2026, with its Vice-Chair tenure beginning in 2025, marks a significant milestone in its engagement with international diamond trade ethics. This appointment, backed by a unanimous global consensus, underscores the world's trust in India's capacity to lead and guide the critical initiative that safeguards the legitimate diamond supply chain from conflict diamonds. As a foundational member of the Kimberley Process, India has consistently demonstrated a proactive stance in upholding the scheme's principles and objectives since its inception, ensuring transparency and accountability within the rough diamond trade. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), as the designated nodal agency for KPCS in India, expressed its strong endorsement of this new leadership position, highlighting the international community's recognition of India's balanced and comprehensive strategy towards global diamond commerce governance.

The Kimberley Process, an initiative sanctioned by the United Nations, stands as the sole international mechanism dedicated to regulating the trade of rough diamonds to prevent the entry of 'conflict diamonds' into the global market. India's upcoming role as Chair, its third such term, reaffirms its enduring commitment to these crucial objectives. Mr. Kirit Bhansali, the Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized that India's selection is a testament to the international community's belief in its principled and inclusive approach to enhancing the global diamond trade through effective governance of the Kimberley Process. This new chapter will see India at the forefront of implementing policies and initiatives that contribute to a more secure and ethical diamond industry. The GJEPC has pledged its full support and intends to work collaboratively with the Indian government and all relevant stakeholders, including the international trade community and civil society organizations, to ensure the success of both the Vice-Chairmanship and the subsequent Chairmanship.

Paving the Way for a Stable and Inclusive Diamond Industry

The appointment of India to lead the Kimberley Process represents a crucial opportunity to further solidify the global diamond industry's commitment to ethical sourcing and transparency. With the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) at the helm of national efforts, India is set to play a proactive role in fostering greater accountability and integrity throughout the diamond supply chain. This leadership position is not merely ceremonial; it grants India the platform to introduce and champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. The focus will be on strengthening the framework that prevents the trade of conflict diamonds, ensuring that consumers can confidently purchase diamonds that are ethically sourced and contribute to sustainable development rather than conflict.

In its capacity as Chair, India, supported by the GJEPC, is committed to engaging with a diverse array of governments, international trade bodies, and civil society organizations. This collaborative approach is vital for garnering the necessary support and cooperation to advance the goals of the Kimberley Process. By striving to make the KPCS a stable, inclusive, and highly effective mechanism, India aims to safeguard the long-term integrity and reputation of the global diamond industry. This involves not only reinforcing existing standards but also exploring innovative solutions to address emerging challenges and ensuring that the benefits of the diamond trade are shared equitably. The GJEPC's dedication to promoting best practices and strengthening compliance will be instrumental in reinforcing global confidence in conflict-free diamonds, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future for the entire sector.