The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the nodal agency for the Kimberley Process (KP) in India, welcomes India’s election as Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2026.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a UN-mandated initiative, is the only global mechanism governing international trade in rough diamonds, aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate supply chains. As a founding participant of the Kimberley Process, India has played a constructive role since its inception and will now assume the Chair for the third time, underscoring its continued commitment to responsible and transparent diamond trade.

India will assume the role of Chair from 1 January 2026, following approval by consensus through written procedure initiated on 5th December 2025. Kimberley Process is a body of 60 Participants , representing 80 countries, with EU considered as one participant . The decision to select India as Vice Chair  for 2025 (effective from 25th December , 2025) and Chair for 2026 reflects strong global confidence in India’s leadership within the Kimberley Process framework.

Commenting on the development, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “GJEPC welcomes India’s selection  of the Kimberley Process Chair role for the year 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.”

Reaffirming industry support, Mr. Bhansali added, “As the nodal agency, 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.” GJEPC looks forward to working with various Govts, the international trade and civil society to  get support and cooperation fir India’s leadership of the Kimberley Process. This will help India to strive for on making Kimberley Process a stable, inclusive, and effective framework that safeguards the long-term integrity of the global diamond industry.