kimberley process
There is going to be a big and decisive change in the world’s diamond business. From January 1, 2026, India will become the chairman of the Kimberley Process, a global diamond monitoring system. With this, the responsibility of keeping an eye on conflict diamonds i.e. blood diamonds will fall in the hands of India. This is the same international system that ensures that rough diamonds are not used to fund war, violence or rebellion.
The story of violence hidden behind the shine
Diamond is considered the symbol of love, splendor and grandeur in the world, but sometimes behind its shine a painful story of blood and violence is hidden. Diamonds had become the currency of war in many African countries. Capture of mines, illegal diamond trade, purchase of weapons and violence spanning generations gave birth to the term conflict diamond or blood diamond.
What is Kimberley Process?
The Kimberley Process is an international initiative, which started on 1 January 2003 with the support of the United Nations. In this, governments, the international diamond industry and civil society together ensure that no rough diamond sold in the world becomes a source of funding for violence or terrorism. Today it includes 60 countries and institutions and more than 99% of the world’s rough diamond trade is controlled under this system.
Why did India get this responsibility?
India is the world’s largest diamond cutting and polishing hub. The heartbeat of the global diamond industry runs from Surat and the livelihood of millions of people is linked to this sector. Most of the polished diamonds sold in the world reach the market through India only. In such a situation, India’s strictness can make the entire global diamond business more transparent.
India’s agenda in chairmanship
During his tenure, India will focus on digital certification, traceability of diamonds from mine to market, data based monitoring and closing loopholes in the system. The purpose is clear. To assure consumers that the diamond they purchase is not tainted with blood.
Government and global messages
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal called it a symbol of growing global trust in India. From January 1, 2026, India will not only be the center of diamond processing, but will also become an important rule-setting force in the global diamond trade. The message is clear, there is no place for blood behind glitter.