GJEPC Welcomes India’s Role as Kimberley Process Chair for 2026

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, aiming to prevent 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 January 1, 2026, following approval by consensus through a written procedure initiated on December 5, 2025. The Kimberley Process is a body of 60 Participants, representing 80 countries, with the 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.”

The GJEPC headquarters in Mumbai hosted a high-level interaction on December 26 to discuss key developments shaping India’s gem and jewellery sector. The meeting centred on India’s upcoming leadership in the Kimberley Process, progress in Free Trade Agreement negotiations, including the US Bilateral Trade Agreement, and initiatives to ease business processes for exporters and manufacturers. These discussions highlighted collaborative efforts between the government and the industry to strengthen trade efficiency and support sustainable growth.

The interaction was led by the Chief Guest, Mr Rajesh Agrawal, Commerce Secretary, Department of Commerce, along with Mr Tariq Thomas, Director, Department of Commerce, attending as Guest of Honour. The meeting was attended by GJEPC Chairman Mr Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman Mr Shaunak Parikh, and members of the Committee of Administration including Mr Anoop Mehta, Convener – Diamond Panel; Mr Russell Mehta, Co-Convener – Diamond Panel; Mr K. Srinivasan, Convener – Gold Panel; Mr Ashish Borda, Convener – PMBD; Mr Mital Doshi, Convener – BITC; Mr Mansukh Kothari, Convener – Events; Mr Devansh Shah, Member – PMBD; and Mr Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, among several other senior industry dignitaries.

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 governments, the international trade, and civil society to get support and cooperation for India’s leadership of the Kimberley Process. This will help India to strive for making the Kimberley Process a stable, inclusive, and effective framework that safeguards the long-term integrity of the global diamond industry.