Why is it in the news?
India assumed chair of Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026.
Places India at forefront of global diamond governance reforms.
Category: International relations
Important Points:
● Kimberley Process initiated in 2000 to regulate rough diamond trade
● Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) launched in 2003
● 60 participants representing 86 countries
● Accounts for 99.8% of global rough diamond production
● Requires tamper-resistant KP certificate for cross-border trade
● Trade allowed only between certified KP members
● India is founding member of KPCS
● Diamonds in India historically mined along Krishna, Mahanadi, Panna belts
● Majhgawan mine (Panna, MP) is India’s only operational diamond mine
● India processes ~90% of world’s diamonds; 75% global turnover by value