

AAN | 27:12:2025
India has been confirmed as the Chair of the Kimberley Process for the year 2026, bringing closure to an extended impasse over leadership within the global diamond certification body. The decision was reached by consensus among participating members, following months of negotiations after earlier bids failed to gain unanimous support. India will formally assume the chairmanship from January 1, 2026, after serving briefly as Vice-Chair in late 2025.
The Kimberley Process is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the diamond industry, and civil society, aimed at preventing the trade in conflict diamonds. India’s appointment marks its third tenure as Chair, underscoring its growing influence in the global diamond value chain. During its chairmanship, India is expected to prioritise governance reforms, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and advance discussions on transparency and traceability within the Kimberley Process framework.
Source: Rapaport News

A seasoned diplomat and thought leader, Ambassador Ashok Sajjanhar served as India’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sweden and Latvia during an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the Indian Foreign Service. Widely respected for his insight on global affairs, trade policy and strategic diplomacy, he has represented India with distinction across Washington D.C., Moscow, Brussels and Geneva. Currently President of the Institute of Global Studies and Distinguished Fellow at the Ananta Aspen Centre, he continues to be a guiding voice in fostering dialogue, peace and international cooperation.

Founder of Noida Film City and Marwah Studios, Dr. Sandeep Marwah is the visionary President of AAFT—ranked among the world’s top ten film schools. With ten world records and over 1,500 national and international honours, he has produced the largest number of short films globally and trained more than 36,000 students from 145 countries. As Chancellor of AAFT University and President of the International Chamber of Media & Entertainment Industry, Dr. Marwah also serves on several national boards and committees under key Indian ministries. Recognized as Cultural Ambassador by 90 countries, he continues to champion global cooperation through art, culture, and media.