By IANS
New Delhi : India has assumed the chair of the Kimberly process that has 74 countries as members and seeks to ensure that all rough diamonds traded internationally are conflict-free.
As the new chair, India will consolidate efforts to ensure active implementation of the process, ensure the growth of only legitimate trade, and protect the livelihoods of millions across the globe, an official statement said.
The Kimberly process, endorsed by the United Nations, requires its members to impose internal controls over the production and sale of rough diamonds, and bars trading of the commodity with a non-participant.
The process, which has civil society and industry groups as active participants, also requires exports to be accompanied by a certificate saying the diamonds are conflict free. The certification process was started in January 2003.
India, a founding member, will be sixth in succession to hold the chair after South Africa, Canada, the Russian Federation, Botswana and European Commission. It was elected unanimously as the next chair in November 2006.