Intersessional Focuses on Transparency, Governance and Operational Reforms in Natural Diamond Trade

The Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 concluded in Mumbai under India’s Chairship, bringing together representatives from KP Participants, Observers, industry stakeholders and civil society organisations for four days of deliberations on the future of the natural diamond sector.

Welcoming the conclusion of the Intersessional, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal said India, as the world’s leading centre for diamond cutting and polishing, recognises the vital role of the Kimberley Process in ensuring that natural diamonds remain a symbol of trust, responsibility and shared prosperity. He said that under India’s Chairship, the country remains firmly committed to advancing the 3Cs – Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence – and to working with all Participants and stakeholders to strengthen the KP’s relevance in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

The Minister further said the natural diamond sector sustains millions of livelihoods across producing, processing and consuming nations, and India will continue to champion a KP that is robust, transparent and responsive to both industry and consumer expectations.

Held under India’s Chairship theme of the 3Cs – Credibility, Compliance and Consumer Confidence – the Intersessional advanced discussions on strengthening trust, transparency and cooperation within the Kimberley Process framework.

During the Intersessional, Working Groups and Committees held detailed discussions on monitoring, technical processes, governance, statistics and artisanal production, with 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 towards keeping the Kimberley Process credible, relevant and responsive to the evolving dynamics of global diamond trade and consumer expectations. He emphasized that trust remains the foundation of the natural diamond trade and highlighted the importance of reinforcing the Kimberley Process as a pillar of responsible sourcing, transparency and confidence across the diamond value chain.

The Intersessional also highlighted the importance of enhancing communication and outreach efforts to better convey the positive impact of the Kimberley Process to end consumers, including responsible sourcing practices, development outcomes and livelihood support across producing nations and communities.

The discussions held during the Intersessional will carry forward into the KP Plenary scheduled to be held in New Delhi later this year, with a continued focus on credibility, compliance and consumer confidence under India’s Chairship through 2026.

The meeting witnessed participation from KP Participants, the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition members, industry bodies and other stakeholders. The Chair underlined that the Kimberley Process’ unique tripartite structure and consensus-based approach, bringing together governments, industry and civil society, continues to be one of its key strengths.

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

As a leading global centre for diamond cutting and polishing, India reaffirmed its commitment to the objectives of the Kimberley Process and to promoting transparency, sustainability and responsible practices in the natural diamond sector.

Concluding Statement by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC on the KP Intersessional 2026:

As the Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2026 concludes in Mumbai, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) reaffirms its commitment to strengthening a credible, compliant, and consumer-confident natural diamond trade.

Over the last four days, we have seen constructive dialogue among governments, industry, and civil society on advancing the 3Cs framework—Credibility, Compliance, and Consumer Confidence—that India has set for its Chairmanship year. The discussions on strengthening the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), monitoring and compliance mechanisms, artisanal production, and supply chain transparency are critical to ensuring the KP remains relevant in a marketplace shaped by transparency, sustainability, and digital verification.

GJEPC welcomes the unified focus on reinforcing trust in ethically sourced natural diamonds and on adapting the KP to evolving global challenges. Natural diamonds represent a sustainable product and livelihood for millions, and the Kimberley Process continues to be one of the most progressive certification systems globally.

We will continue to work closely with the Government of India, KP Participants, the World Diamond Council, and civil society to support India’s leadership and to advance best practices that safeguard the integrity of the global diamond industry. GJEPC remains committed to ensuring that consumer confidence in conflict-free diamonds is strengthened across all markets.

Let us carry forward the momentum from Mumbai to build a more transparent, inclusive, and future-ready Kimberley Process for the benefit of producing nations, the trade, and consumers worldwide.