It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
New Delhi—India will serve as chair of the Kimberley Process in 2026, marking its third time heading the initiative designed to prevent “conflict” diamonds from entering the supply pipeline.
The Indian government announced the news via a press release issued Thursday, with Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal stating, “India’s selection reflects global trust in the Modi government’s commitment to fostering integrity and transparency in international trade.”
Normally, the country that is KP vice chair takes over the chairmanship the following year, but that was not the case in 2025.
Thailand originally was selected as vice chair this year but withdrew early in the year.
The KP operated without a vice chair for most of 2025 and failed to reach a consensus on which country should be chair for 2026 at its annual Plenary meeting held in Dubai in November. (The KP requires complete consensus from all members for any measure to pass.)
However, following the meeting, a vote was taken via written procedure initiated on Dec. 5, with KP participants unanimously selecting India to take over as vice chair, effective Dec. 25, a move that allows it to assume the chair position starting Jan. 1.
Ghana was selected as vice chair at the Plenary, meaning the African nation is positioned to chair the process in 2027.
In a press release circulated last week, India’s main trade body, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council, said it welcomes the country’s selection as KP chair for 2026.
“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,” GJEPC Chair Kirit Bhansali said.
“GJEPC will work closely with the government of India and all stakeholders to support India’s vice chairpersonship and subsequent chairpersonship. We remain committed to advancing best practices, strengthening compliance, and reinforcing confidence in conflict-free diamonds across global markets.”
(Photos courtesy of the Natural Diamond Council)
Source : National Jeweler