The New Nation - Internet Edition

PTI, United Nations

Noting that diamonds have played a crucial role in financing devastating conflicts, India has called for concerted steps to end illegal trade in the precious gem.

Addressing the UN General Assembly yesterday, India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the world body Ajai Malhotra emphasised that the effort should not be solely seen through the narrow prism of peace and security.

But efforts should be made to tackle the underlying causes and issue seen through the perspective of overall development agenda. Such efforts, Malhotra said, need to focus not only on the supply side, but also on all parts of the supply chain including processing, trading, and purchase by the consumer. In this regard, he said the Kimberley Process of certification that the diamond was mined legally is an innovative and useful mechanism.