National News
India Hosts Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 In Mumbai
Kimberley Process Meeting Focuses On Monitoring, Compliance and Sustainable Diamond Trade
The Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 commenced in Mumbai under India’s Chairship. The meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, 2026, has brought together representatives from Kimberley Process Participants, Observers, and industry stakeholders from across the world to deliberate on key issues related to the global trade in natural diamonds.
Addressing the gathering, KP Chair 2026, Suchindra Misra, stated that the Kimberley Process has played an important role in supporting peace, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing nations. He emphasised the need to further strengthen trust in the system, enhance cooperation among participants, and ensure that the Kimberley Process remains relevant and effective in a changing global environment.
He also highlighted that natural diamonds represent a sustainable product and that the Kimberley Process continues to remain one of the most progressive certification systems globally.
The Intersessional Meeting will include discussions and meetings of various Working Groups and Committees over the coming days. The deliberations will focus on implementation of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), monitoring and compliance mechanisms, artisanal and alluvial diamond production, statistics, and measures aimed at strengthening trust in the natural diamond value chain. The proceedings of the Intersessional Meeting will continue till May 14, 2026.
The meeting is also expected to provide an opportunity for Participants and Observers to exchange views on emerging challenges and collaborative approaches for enhancing consumer confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds.
Senior officials of the Department of Commerce, Government of India, representatives from Kimberley Process Participants, members of the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition members, and other stakeholders are participating in the Intersessional Meeting.
Quote attributed to Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC :
“India today stands at the heart of the global natural diamond industry, not only as the world’s largest cutting and polishing center, but also as one of the fastest-growing diamond jewellery markets globally. As an industry, we remain committed to strengthening consumer confidence, promoting transparency, and working together with global stakeholders to ensure that natural diamonds continue to remain a symbol of trust, aspiration, and shared prosperity across the world.
GJEPC, as co-organizer of the Intersessional under India’s Kimberley Process Chairship, is pleased to support this important global platform that will help strengthen confidence, enhance compliance, and reinforce the credibility of the global diamond ecosystem.”
India’s Chairship theme for 2026 focuses on the 3Cs — credibility, compliance, and consumer confidence in the natural diamond sector, with emphasis on strengthening the future of responsibly sourced natural diamonds through constructive dialogue and international collaboration.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), established pursuant to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 (2000), is an international initiative aimed at preventing the flow of conflict diamonds into the legitimate diamond trade. At present, the Kimberley Process has 60 Participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union and its Member States participating as a single bloc.
India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening responsible sourcing, transparency, and sustainability in the global diamond sector. As one of the world’s leading centres for diamond cutting and polishing, India continues to play an important role in advancing the objectives of the Kimberley Process.
National News
Abaran Timeless Jewellery Champions Heritage Conservation To Safeguard Traditional Craftsmanship
Support For Hastashilpa Heritage Village Reflects A Commitment To Preserving India’s Architectural and Artisanal Legacy For Future Generations.
As India’s historic buildings continue to face mounting pressure from urbanisation, redevelopment, and changing lifestyles, concerns are growing not only about the loss of architectural landmarks but also the disappearance of the traditional skills and craftsmanship that created them. Recognising this challenge, Abaran Timeless Jewellery has extended its support to Hastashilpa Heritage Village, reinforcing the importance of preserving cultural heritage and artisanal knowledge.
Through the Abaran Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Bengaluru-based jewellery house, the company supports a range of initiatives spanning education, healthcare, community welfare, arts, and heritage conservation. Its association with Hastashilpa Heritage Village reflects a deeper commitment to protecting India’s rich cultural legacy beyond the jewellery industry.
Located in Manipal, Hastashilpa Heritage Village is regarded as one of India’s most significant heritage conservation projects. Founded by conservationist Vijaynath Shenoy, the village has successfully rescued and reconstructed traditional homes from across coastal Karnataka, preserving architectural styles and craftsmanship that may otherwise have been lost to neglect or redevelopment.
The conservation process shares many similarities with the art of jewellery making. Every carved beam, decorative element, and handcrafted detail requires meticulous documentation, restoration, and respect for traditional techniques. Much like restoring an heirloom jewel, preserving heritage architecture demands both technical expertise and cultural sensitivity.
For Pratap Kamath, Managing Director of Abaran Timeless Jewellery, the initiative holds personal significance. He noted that the heritage village is located in Udupi, where Abaran was originally founded by his grandfather, Sri Sadanand Kamath. According to Pratap Kamath, the company was inspired by the efforts to preserve heritage homes that might otherwise have vanished as younger generations moved away in search of new opportunities.
His observations reflect a wider concern within the luxury and craft sectors. Whether restoring a centuries-old structure or creating a handcrafted jewel, both disciplines depend on knowledge and expertise that cannot be easily replicated through mass production. Once lost, such skills are extremely difficult to recover.
At the same time, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that demonstrate authenticity, cultural relevance, and a commitment to preserving heritage. As a result, heritage conservation is evolving from a philanthropic activity into an important reflection of a brand’s values and identity.
Initiatives such as Hastashilpa Heritage Village serve as an important reminder that heritage extends beyond products—it also includes the ecosystems of craft, culture, knowledge, and tradition that make those creations possible.
As India’s architectural treasures and jewellery traditions navigate similar challenges, efforts to preserve one may ultimately help protect the other, ensuring that valuable skills and cultural legacies continue to inspire future generations.
Abaran Timeless Jewellery Champions Heritage Conservation To Safeguard Traditional Craftsmanship
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