Mr Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
MUMBAI – The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the nodal agency for the Kimberley Process (KP) in India, welcomes India’s election as Chair of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for 2026.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, a UN-mandated initiative, is the only global mechanism governing international trade in rough diamonds, aimed at preventing conflict diamonds from entering legitimate supply chains.
As a founding participant of the Kimberley Process, India has played a constructive role since its inception and will now assume the Chair for the third time, underscoring its continued commitment to responsible and transparent diamond trade.
India will assume the role of Chair from 1 January, 2026, following approval by consensus through a written procedure initiated on 5th December, 2025.
The Kimberley Process is a body of 60 participants, representing 80 countries, with the EU considered as one participant.
The decision to select India as Vice Chair for 2025 (effective from 25th December, 2025) and Chair for 2026, reflects strong global confidence in India’s leadership within the Kimberley Process framework.
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The GJEPC welcomes India’s selection for the Kimberley Process Chair role for 2026.
“India’s selection reflects the international community’s trust in the Indian government’s principled and inclusive approach of strengthening global diamond trade through efficient governance of the Kimberley Process.”
Reaffirming the support of the industry, Mr. Bhansali added, “As the nodal agency, GJEPC will work closely with the government of India and all stakeholders to support India’s Vice Chairpersonship and subsequent Chairpersonship.
“We remain committed to advancing best practices, strengthening compliance, and reinforcing confidence in conflict-free diamonds across global markets.”
The GJEPC looks forward to working with various governments, the international trade and civil society to get support and cooperation for India’s leadership of the Kimberley Process.
“This will help India to strive to make the Kimberley Process a stable, inclusive, and effective framework that safeguards the long-term integrity of the global diamond industry.”
