Mumbai: India has taken centre stage in the global natural diamond dialogue as the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 commenced in Mumbai under the country’s Chairship. The four-day meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, has brought together Kimberley Process Participants, Observers, government officials, civil society representatives and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the future of responsible diamond trade.
The meeting is focused on key areas linked to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, including monitoring, compliance, statistics, artisanal and alluvial diamond production, and measures aimed at strengthening trust across the natural diamond value chain.
India’s Chairship theme for 2026 is centred on the 3Cs, credibility, compliance and consumer confidence. The theme reflects the growing need to reinforce transparency and accountability at a time when the global diamond industry is navigating changing consumer expectations, ethical sourcing concerns and evolving market dynamics.
Addressing the gathering, KP Chair 2026, Shri Suchindra Misra, said that the Kimberley Process has played an important role in supporting peace, protecting livelihoods and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing nations. He underlined the need to further strengthen trust in the system, deepen cooperation among participants and ensure that the Kimberley Process remains relevant in a changing global environment.
The meeting is also expected to provide a platform for participants and observers to exchange views on emerging challenges and collaborative approaches that can help enhance consumer confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds.
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said India today stands at the heart of the global natural diamond industry, not only as the world’s largest cutting and polishing centre, but also as one of the fastest-growing diamond jewellery markets globally.
“As an industry, we remain committed to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting transparency, and working together with global stakeholders to ensure that natural diamonds continue to remain a symbol of trust, aspiration, and shared prosperity across the world,” he said.
He added that GJEPC, as co-organiser of the Intersessional under India’s Kimberley Process Chairship, is pleased to support the global platform, which aims to strengthen confidence, enhance compliance and reinforce the credibility of the global diamond ecosystem.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme was established pursuant to United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 in 2000. It is an international initiative designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade. At present, the Kimberley Process has 60 Participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its Member States participating as a single bloc.
India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to responsible sourcing, transparency and sustainability in the global diamond sector. As a leading centre for diamond cutting and polishing, India continues to play a strategic role in advancing the objectives of the Kimberley Process and strengthening confidence in the natural diamond industry.
