A chance for India to polish the Kimberley Process, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• India assumed the chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) for 2026, a mechanism governing the trade of conflict diamonds.
• The KP, initiated in 2000 and formalized in 2003, includes 60 participants representing 86 countries, accounting for 99.8% of global rough diamond production.
• The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) ensures rough diamonds in the legitimate supply chain are KP-compliant, with trade permitted only between certified members.
• India, a major importer of rough diamonds (40% of global imports), is the world’s leading cutting and polishing hub, re-exporting polished diamonds to major markets.

Detailed Insights:

• The KPCS faces criticism for its narrow definition of conflict diamonds, focusing primarily on rebel groups and governments, while overlooking state-linked abuses and human rights violations.
• The decision-making process within the KP is challenged by the potential for political vetoes, hindering the identification and resolution of conflict diamond issues.
• India can leverage its technological strengths to promote digital, tamper-proof KP certificates using blockchain to reduce fraud and enhance transparency.
• Establishing regional KP technical hubs in key producing areas, particularly in Africa, can provide training, IT support, and certification assistance to support producer countries.
• India can advance institutional reforms by adopting independent audits and pushing for the public release of granular KP statistics to enhance transparency.
• By aligning the KP's work with the Sustainable Development Goals, India can help channel diamond revenues toward community development in Africa, supporting health, education, and local infrastructure.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Kimberley Process (KP): A multilateral initiative established to prevent trade in conflict diamonds.
• Conflict Diamonds: Rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance conflicts against legitimate governments.
• Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS): A mechanism to ensure rough diamonds are KP-compliant through certification and trade regulations.