India has commenced the Kimberley Process (KP) Intersessional Meeting 2026 in Mumbai under its Chairship, bringing together representatives from KP Participants, Observers, industry bodies and civil society organisations to discuss issues related to global natural diamond trade. The meeting, being held from May 11 to May 14, 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.

Addressing delegates at the opening session, KP Chair 2026 Shri Suchindra Misra said the Kimberley Process has played an important role in supporting peace, protecting livelihoods and strengthening legitimate diamond trade across producing nations. He stated, “The Kimberley Process continues to remain one of the most progressive certification systems globally,” while emphasising the need to strengthen trust in the system, improve cooperation among participants and maintain relevance in a changing global environment.

The meeting will also provide a platform for Participants and Observers to exchange views on emerging challenges and collaborative approaches aimed at enhancing consumer confidence in ethically sourced natural diamonds. Senior officials from the Department of Commerce, Government of India, representatives of the World Diamond Council, Civil Society Coalition members and other stakeholders are participating in the discussions.

India assumed the Chairship of the Kimberley Process on January 1, 2026. The country’s Chairship theme for 2026 is centred on the 3Cs — credibility, compliance and consumer confidence — with a focus on responsible sourcing and transparency in the natural diamond sector. Established under United Nations General Assembly Resolution 55/56 in 2000, the Kimberley Process currently has 60 Participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union participating as a single bloc.