India achieved significant milestones at the Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary 2024, held in Dubai from 12-15 November. Led by Shri Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India along with Shri R. Arulanandan, Director, Department of Commerce, the Indian delegation included prominent representatives from the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), who played a pivotal role in advancing global standards for conflict-free diamond trade.
The delegation included Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC along with key GJEPC representatives including Shri Rajat Wani, Asst. Director; Shri Sabyasachi Ghosh, Assistant Director; Dr. Rashmi Arora, Economist, and Shri Shiddesh Mohite, Deputy Director. They actively participated in critical discussions that reinforced India’s leadership in promoting conflict-free diamond trade globally.
This year’s plenary, themed the “Year of Delivery”, was marked by notable achievements. India secured membership in the Working Group on Artisanal and Alluvial Production (WGAAP), reflecting its growing role in supporting African diamond mining communities. Additionally, India celebrated the complete lifting of the embargo on rough diamond exports from the Central African Republic (CAR), emphasising the Kimberley Process’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable development in diamond-producing nations.