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India will take on chairmanship of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026, following more than a year of conflict over which country would assume that position.
It will be India’s third time heading the initiative, which governs the international rough-diamond trade. The KP elected the country, which is a founding participant, through a consensus vote on December 5, India’s Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) said Thursday.
At the same time, India became vice chair for 2025 but will only serve in that capacity for a few days. Although the appointment seems late, the vice chair traditionally moves into the chairmanship the following year. Thailand was initially vice chair for 2025, but it withdrew from the position earlier this year, leaving the spot empty.
The KP has struggled to find a leader for over a year, with no one willing to succeed the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which took the helm in 2024, only to serve an unprecedented second year as “custodian chair” for 2025. Belarus threw its hat into the ring but Western countries rejected it over its connection to Russia, while Israel nixed Qatar, which also came forward. A 100% consensus is required in the KP to enact any policies.
“India’s selection reflects the international community’s trust in the Indian government’s principled and inclusive approach of strengthening global diamond trade through efficient governance of the Kimberley Process,” said GJEPC chairman Kirit Bhansali. “As the nodal agency, GJEPC will work closely with the government of India and all stakeholders to support India’s…chairpersonship. We remain committed to advancing best practices, strengthening compliance, and reinforcing confidence in conflict-free diamonds across global markets.”
Image: Rough diamonds. (Shutterstock)
