26 December 2025 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India has been selected to assume the chair of the Kimberley Process, a UN-backed global initiative to remove conflict diamonds, also known as blood diamonds, from the global supply chain, for the third time from January 1.
The decision was taken at the Kimberley Process Plenary, which brings together governments, the international diamond industry and civil society to ensure that rough diamonds are not used to finance armed conflicts or undermine legitimate governments, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Welcoming the development, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India’s selection reaffirmed its growing role in global governance of the diamond trade. “Pleased at India’s selection as the Chair of UN-backed Kimberley Process, starting 2026. A reaffirmation of India’s role in global governance of diamond trade through reform and consensus,” he said. India assumed the role of Vice-Chair today and will take over the Chair on January 1.
Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal said the decision reflected global confidence in India’s commitment to integrity and transparency in international trade.
Summary:
India is set to assume the chairmanship of a United Nations–backed international forum focused on addressing the issue of “blood diamonds,” which are mined in conflict zones and used to finance violence. As chair, India will play a key role in strengthening global cooperation, transparency, and ethical practices in the diamond trade.