THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS

NEWS: India has assumed the chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026

ABOUT

• Kimberley Process: A multinational certification system to regulate the global trade of rough diamonds.
• Objective: Prevent “conflict diamonds”(diamonds used to finance armed conflict against legitimate governments) from funding rebel groups and civil wars, especially in Africa.
• Initiated in 2000 by southern African countries.
• Led to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2003.
• Present status: 60 participants representing 86 countries, covers ~99.8% of global rough diamond production

WORKING PROCESS

• Only KP-certified diamonds can be traded internationally.
• Trade allowed only between KP member countries.
• Every shipment carries a KP certificate issued by the exporting country.
• Countries must share production and trade statistics regularly.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIA IN KIMBERLEY PROCESS (KP)

• India is not a major producer, but:
  • Imports ~40% of the world’s rough diamonds
  • World’s largest cutting and polishing hub (Surat, Mumbai)
• Re-exports polished diamonds to: China, Hong Kong, Israel, UAE, USA
• India will assume the Chair of the Kimberley Process in 2026, giving it agenda-setting power

ISSUES WITH KP TODAY

• KP only covers diamonds funding rebel groups vs governments.
  • Ignores: State-linked violence, Human rights abuses etc
• KP works by consensus → any country can veto decisions–>reforms slow
• Ineffective sanctions: Example: Central African Republic–>Banned from exports (2013) but Rejoined (2024)

REFORMS THAT INDIA CAN PUSH AS KP CHAIR

• Broaden KP’s agenda (without reopening political fights)
  • Build consensus before redefining “conflict diamonds”
• Introduce blockchain-based KP certification: Time-stamped, Tracks diamonds from mine to market
• India can align KP reforms with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • SDG 1: Poverty reduction
  • SDG 8: Decent work
  • SDG 12: Responsible consumption
• Establish regional KP technical hubs in Africa