India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai

Mumbai: The Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 commenced in Mumbai under India’s Chairmanship, bringing together representatives of Kimberley Process Participants, Observers and industry stakeholders from across the globe to deliberate on key issues concerning the international trade in natural diamonds.

The four-day meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, 2026, focuses on strengthening transparency, compliance and consumer confidence in the natural diamond sector.

Addressing the inaugural session, KP Chair 2026 Suchindra Misra said the Kimberley Process has played a vital role in promoting peace, protecting livelihoods and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing nations. Stressing the need for greater cooperation among participating countries, he said the system must continue to evolve to remain relevant and effective amid changing global challenges.

He also underlined that natural diamonds are a sustainable product and described the Kimberley Process as one of the world’s most progressive certification mechanisms.

During the Intersessional Meeting, various Working Groups and Committees will hold detailed deliberations on implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), monitoring and compliance mechanisms, artisanal and alluvial diamond production, trade statistics and measures to enhance trust in the natural diamond value chain.

The meeting is also expected to facilitate discussions on emerging challenges and collaborative approaches aimed at strengthening global consumer confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds.

Senior officials from the Department of Commerce, Government of India, representatives of Kimberley Process Participants, members of the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition representatives and other stakeholders are taking part in the deliberations.

India’s Chairship theme for 2026 is centred on the “3Cs” — Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence — with a focus on promoting responsibly sourced natural diamonds through constructive dialogue and international collaboration.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, established under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 in 2000, is a global initiative designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate diamond trade. Currently, the Kimberley Process has 60 Participants representing 86 countries, while the European Union and its Member States participate 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 industry. As one of the world’s leading hubs for diamond cutting and polishing, India continues to play a significant role in advancing the objectives of the Kimberley Process.