Context :

• India successfully hosted the ‘Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026’ in Mumbai under its chairmanship.

Key Points :

• Main objective of the meeting: To strengthen transparency, compliance, and consumer confidence in the global natural diamond value chain and prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets.
• India assumed the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026.
• The four-day intersessional meeting in Mumbai was led by KP Chair Suchindra Mishra.
• Theme of India’s chairmanship: Focused on “3C” – Credibility, Compliance, and Consumer Confidence, emphasizing responsibly sourced natural diamonds through international cooperation and dialogue.
• Tripartite structure: The meeting saw participation from governments (60 participants representing 86 countries), industry bodies such as the World Diamond Council, and global civil society representatives.
• Discussion on modernization: Emphasis was laid on broadening and refining the definition of “conflict diamonds” in line with changing geopolitical realities.
• Technological integration: Discussions were held on the use of blockchain technology and digital verification tools for diamond traceability.
• Welfare of artisans: Special focus was given to the socio-economic formalization and livelihood security of artisanal and alluvial diamond miners in developing countries.

India’s Economic Importance in Global Diamond Trade :

• Global polishing hub: India cuts and polishes nearly 90% of the world’s rough diamonds.
• Share in turnover: India accounts for around 75% of the global diamond trade by value, with major hubs in Surat and Mumbai.
• Import of raw materials: India mainly imports rough diamonds from the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, and Russia.
• Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGD): India has emerged as a major producer of Lab-Grown Diamonds, contributing more than 15% to global production.

What are the Kimberley Process (KP) and KPCS? :