India is expanding cooperation with major diamond-producing countries, particularly in Africa, as it prepares to host the Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary in New Delhi from November 30 to December 4, 2026.
As Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2026, India has identified responsible diamond sourcing, stronger certification standards, sustainable production and greater transparency in the global diamond trade as key priorities.
According to a statement issued by the Union Commerce Ministry on Thursday, November 5, these issues were discussed during a high-level stakeholder consultation held in Luanda, Angola, on Tuesday.
The meeting was chaired on India’s behalf by Additional Secretary Yashvir Singh and brought together senior representatives of Kimberley Process working groups and committees, Ghana as the KP Vice-Chair, and the United Arab Emirates as the former KP Chair.
Representatives from international industry organizations, including the World Diamond Council and the African Diamond Producers’ Association (ADPA), also participated in the discussions.
India Expands Cooperation with African Diamond-Producing Nations
India’s observer status in the African Diamond Producers’ Association provides a formal platform for strengthening engagement with countries responsible for a significant share of global diamond production.
The partnership is expected to facilitate cooperation in securing rough diamond supplies, exchanging technical expertise, improving market access and encouraging ethical and environmentally sustainable practices across the diamond industry.
A major development emerged during the 13th Extraordinary Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers, held alongside the association’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Angola.
The meeting approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) and the ADPA.
The agreement aims to deepen cooperation between India’s gem and jewellery sector and African diamond-producing nations through skills development, capacity building and stronger commercial partnerships.
Key areas of collaboration include diamond sorting, valuation, manufacturing, technical training and the exchange of industry expertise.
The agreement also seeks to encourage trade and investment across the diamond value chain, creating opportunities for African producers and India’s diamond processing and jewellery manufacturing industries.
India Prioritizes Transparency and Responsible Diamond Sourcing
During the consultation, Yashvir Singh emphasized India’s commitment to strengthening confidence, compliance and credibility within the Kimberley Process.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity to engage directly with international stakeholders on issues affecting the future of the diamond industry.
Singh noted that India aims to develop a common understanding of major challenges ahead of the New Delhi Plenary and promote practical solutions through dialogue and consensus-based decision-making.
Discussions focused on improving the sustainability of diamond-producing countries and communities, ensuring stable funding for the Kimberley Process Secretariat and modernizing certification and statistical reporting systems through digital technology.
Participants also examined ways to strengthen compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which seeks to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate international trade.
Other issues included potential reforms to the definition of conflict diamonds, responsible sourcing practices, artisanal and alluvial diamond mining, and measures to improve consumer confidence.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of effective monitoring, transparent reporting and peer-review mechanisms to maintain credibility across the international diamond supply chain.
African Diamond Producers Play Major Role in Global Supply
Established in Luanda in 2006, the African Diamond Producers’ Association promotes cooperation among diamond-producing nations and supports the development of the continent’s diamond industry.
The association comprises 15 member countries and eight observers, including India and Russia as its two non-African observers.
Its member countries collectively account for more than 60% of global diamond production, making the organization an important partner in international discussions on diamond trade and governance.
India’s engagement with the ADPA reflects its efforts to strengthen relationships with major rough diamond suppliers while promoting technical cooperation and sustainable industry practices.
The upcoming Kimberley Process Plenary in New Delhi is expected to provide a platform for further discussions on certification reforms, responsible sourcing, industry transparency and the long-term sustainability of the global diamond trade.
Through its chairship and expanding partnerships with African producers, India is seeking to advance international cooperation and strengthen the credibility of the natural diamond industry.
