INDIA CHAIRS THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS
What is the News?
- India has assumed the Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for the year 2026.
- The KP is a global mechanism to regulate trade in conflict diamonds.
- India now has an opportunity to push for reforms in global diamond governance.
WHAT IS THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS?
- The Kimberley Process (KP) is an international initiative to prevent trade in conflict diamonds.
- Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel or insurgent groups to fund violence against governments.
Origin
- Initiated in May 2000 by countries of southern Africa.
- In 2003, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was created.
Present Structure
- 60 participants representing 86 countries.
- Covers about 8% of global rough diamond production.
WHAT IS KIMBERLEY PROCESS CERTIFICATION SCHEME?
- It ensures that only conflict-free rough diamonds enter the global supply chain.
- Each shipment must carry a KP certificate issued by a participant country.
- Trade is allowed only between certified member countries.
- Countries must share accurate statistical data on diamond production and trade.
INDIA’S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL DIAMOND TRADE
- India is not a major producer of rough diamonds.
- However, it imports around 40% of global rough diamond imports (quantity and value).
- India is the world’s leading cutting and polishing hub, mainly in:
- Surat
- Mumbai
- India exports polished diamonds to:
- China
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- UAE
- USA
Because of this central role, India has strong influence in the global diamond value chain.
MAJOR DIAMOND PRODUCING COUNTRIES
More than 85% of global rough diamond production comes from:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Canada
- Congo
- Namibia
- Russia
KEY ISSUES IN THE KIMBERLEY PROCESS
Narrow Definition of Conflict Diamonds
- Current definition only covers diamonds used by rebel groups.
- It does not include:
- State-linked violence
- Human rights violations
- Human trafficking
- Environmental damage
- Abuses in artisanal mining
- Illicit trade networks
This makes the definition limited and outdated.
DECISION MAKING CHALLENGES
- KP decisions require consensus.
- Any country can effectively block a decision.
- This raises questions about whether KP can properly identify and act against conflict diamonds.
Example: Central African Republic (CAR)
- CAR was banned from exporting rough diamonds in 2013.
- It rejoined in 2024.
- The embargo led to:
- Increased smuggling
- Continued violence
This shows that bans without support may worsen problems instead of solving them.
WHAT CAN INDIA DO AS CHAIR?
Broaden the Definition Carefully
- Create a technical working group to study:
- Violence
- Human rights risks
- Issues beyond rebel funding
- Build global consensus before changing the official definition.
Use Technology for Transparency
India can promote:
- Digital, tamper-proof KP certificates
- Blockchain-based certification system
Benefits:
- Reduce fraud
- Improve transparency
- Modernise customs and tracking systems
- Each shipment could have a unique, time-stamped digital record.
Support Producer Countries :
- Establish regional KP technical hubs in central and eastern Africa.
- Provide:
- Training
- IT support
- Certification assistance
- Forensic capacity
This approach makes reforms collaborative rather than punitive.
INSTITUTIONAL REFORMS
- Introduce independent or third-party audits.
- Ensure full public release of detailed KP statistics.
- Strengthen role of civil society organisations.
Since KP has a tripartite structure (governments + industry + civil society), all three must remain actively involved.
FOCUS ON AFRICA
- Diamonds provide livelihoods to many African communities.
- India can link KP goals with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:
- Decent Work
- Poverty Reduction
- Responsible Consumption
- Encourage diamond revenues to support:
- Health
- Education
- Local infrastructure
This shifts the focus from just blocking bad diamonds to building a responsible and inclusive diamond trade system.
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