India to Assume Vice Chair Role in Kimberley Process

India has taken over as a Vice Chair of the Kimberley Process from 25th December and will assume the chairpersonship of the global initiative from January 1 next year. The development marks a significant step in India’s expanding role in shaping international trade governance, particularly in the regulation of the global diamond industry.

About the Kimberley Process

The Kimberley Process is a tripartite international initiative involving governments, the global diamond industry and civil society organisations. It was established to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, which are used by rebel movements to finance armed conflict against legitimate governments. The initiative has emerged as the most comprehensive international mechanism governing the rough diamond sector.

India’s Growing Global Responsibility

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said India’s selection as Vice Chair reflects global confidence in the country’s commitment to integrity, transparency and responsible trade practices. He noted that India’s leadership role underlines its credibility as a trusted partner in multilateral economic frameworks and its ability to balance commercial interests with ethical standards.

Agenda as Vice Chair and Chair

As Vice Chair in 2025 and Chair in 2026, India will work closely with all participants and observers to strengthen rule-based compliance within the Kimberley Process. The focus will be on enhancing institutional credibility, responding to evolving global expectations and making the process more inclusive and effective as a multilateral framework governing the diamond trade.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The Kimberley Process aims to prevent trade in conflict diamonds.
• It is a tripartite initiative involving governments, industry and civil society.
• The process currently has 60 participants.
• It covers over 99 per cent of the global rough diamond trade.

Significance for Global Diamond Trade

With 60 participants accounting for more than 99 per cent of the world’s rough diamond trade, the Kimberley Process plays a critical role in ensuring ethical sourcing and trade transparency. India’s leadership is expected to contribute to reforms that strengthen enforcement, promote inclusivity and reinforce trust in the global diamond supply chain.