India to head global efforts to prevent trade in ‘blood’ diamonds
A global player in diamond cutting and polishing, India will now head the prestigious Kimberley Process to prevent the trade in “conflict or blood” diamonds.
These diamonds are illegally traded to fund conflict in war-torn areas, particularly in central and western Africa, according to the World Diamond Council, which represents the commercial diamond trade.
“Conflict diamonds” are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate Governments, as defined in the United Nations Security Council resolutions. India is a global player in diamond cutting and polishing.
They are generally in “rough” form, meaning they have recently been extracted and not yet cut. The Kimberley Process is a joint initiative of more than 60 countries, industry and civil societies to control the flow of conflict diamonds, which are used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate Governments in the world.
“India will take over as KP Vice-Chair from December 25, 2025, before assuming the chairmanship in the New Year. This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process,” the commerce ministry said.
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.
“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,” it said.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to a UN resolution, came into effect on 1 January 2003 and has since evolved into an effective mechanism for curbing the trade in conflict diamonds.
It currently has 60 participants, with the European Union and its member states counted as a single participant. Together, the participants account for over 99 per cent of the global rough diamond trade, making it the most comprehensive international mechanism governing this sector.
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.
