The ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict is disrupting diamond trade flows, impacting key hubs, delaying shipments, and pressuring logistics; however, the industry is hopeful of things returning to normal once the geopolitical tensions ease, finds out Dhwani Rathod.

HRD Antwerp convened 330 industry leaders, policymakers and retailers at the Indo-Belgian Diamond Forum in New Delhi, highlighting trade cooperation, transparency and the strategic partnership between India and Belgium.

India’s Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a standard operating procedure governing bank account freezes in cybercrime investigations, offering relief to Surat’s diamond industry after multiple firms faced sudden account suspensions.

Namibia signed the Luanda Accord in Cape Town on February 9, 2026, while GJEPC and DMCC agreed pathways toward Natural Diamond Council membership to support global natural diamond marketing efforts.

Bakul Limbasiya of Bhathwari Technologies was awarded the APO National Award in New Delhi in January 2026, recognizing contributions to productivity, innovation and leadership in India’s lab-grown diamond sector.

In order to meet the challenges of the diamond industry head on, De Beers has devised a multi-pronged strategy – the major steps include upping investment in marketing, participating in the Luanda Accord, developing a range of category campaigns, collaborating with key retail partners to grow demand, and investing in branded marketing programmes for its own retail businesses, says David Johnson, VP, Global External Communications, De Beers Group, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.

Ahead of the Union Budget 2026–27, leading jewellery retailers, manufacturers and industry bodies outline expectations on GST, import duties, exports, digital gold regulation, working capital, and policy reforms to strengthen growth.

In spite of an 8.76% dip in cut and polished diamond exports during April-November 2025, GJEPC remains optimistic about India’s export performance in 2026. The Council is looking forward to the BTA with the US, and should that take longer than expected, it will take all necessary measures in coordination with the government and stakeholders to support exports, and ensure continued growth, says Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, in a conversation with Suneeta Kaul.

India adopts IS 19469:2025 on January 15, 2026, reserving the term “diamond” exclusively for natural diamonds, mandating clear disclosure for laboratory-grown diamonds to address consumer confusion and standardize trade practices.

African Diamond Producers Association congratulates India on assuming Kimberley Process chairmanship for 2026, counters African Diamond Council objections, and confirms cooperation plans, with International Diamond Manufacturers Association amplifying the position.

BIS has notified IS 19469:2025 in Mumbai, adopting the ISO diamond disclosure norms, following the GJEPC initiative, to strengthen consumer transparency as India’s diamond jewellery demand expands nationwide.

GJEPC welcomes India’s election as Kimberley Process Chair for 2026, effective January 1, following December 2025 consensus approval, reinforcing India’s role in governing global rough diamond trade.

International Institute of Gemology has launched Diamond Fundamentals, an educational book by CEO Rahul Desai, unveiled at Hari Krishna Exports, introducing storytelling-led learning to diamond education.

Bharat Diamond Bourse strengthened its focus on global compliance by hosting the RJC Roadshow, where international experts guided diamantaires on updated standards, assurance systems, and ESG-led responsible practices shaping the diamond value chain.