Key meet to shape diamond sector concludes

Surat: The Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 chaired by India concluded in Mumbai on Thursday, after bringing together representatives of KP participants, observers, industry stakeholders and civil society organizations for four days of discussions on the future of the natural diamond sector.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, established under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 of 2000, is an initiative aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade and promoting responsible sourcing across the natural diamond supply chain.

Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the conclusion of the meeting, underscoring India’s role as the world’s leading centre for diamond cutting and polishing and the importance of the Kimberley Process in safeguarding the integrity of natural diamonds. He said India remains committed to advancing the “3Cs” of credibility, compliance and consumer confidence, and to working with stakeholders to strengthen the KP’s relevance in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Goyal noted that the natural diamond sector supports millions of livelihoods across producing, processing and consuming nations. He said India will continue to champion a Kimberley Process that is robust, transparent and responsive to both industry requirements and consumer expectations.

Working groups and committees held deliberations on monitoring, technical processes, governance, statistics and artisanal production. Discussions maintained a sustained focus on strengthening transparency, improving operational mechanisms and reinforcing trust across the natural diamond value chain.

KP Chair 2026 Suchindra Misra said the progress achieved during the Mumbai Intersessional reflected the shared commitment of participants and observers to keep the Kimberley Process credible, relevant and responsive to changing dynamics in global diamond trade and consumer expectations.

Outcomes and discussions from the Intersessional will be carried forward to the KP Plenary scheduled to be held in New Delhi later this year, continuing the emphasis on credibility, compliance and consumer confidence under India’s Chairship through 2026.

The meeting saw participation from KP participants, the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition members, industry bodies and other stakeholders.