NEW YORK/LONDON: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles III to return the historic Koh-i-Noor diamond to the Indian subcontinent, reviving long-standing debates over colonial-era artefacts during the British monarch’s state visit.
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Speaking ahead of a 9/11 memorial event attended by the King and Queen Camilla, Mamdani said that if given the opportunity to speak directly with the monarch, he would encourage the return of the famed diamond. He clarified, however, that his primary focus at the event was to honour the victims of the September 11 attacks.
It remains unclear whether the issue was raised during his brief interaction with the King, although reports suggest the two exchanged pleasantries and shared a light conversation.
The Koh-i-Noor diamond, a 106-carat gemstone, is currently part of the British Crown Jewels and is displayed at the Tower of London, where it features in the Crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.
The diamond’s ownership has been disputed for centuries. It is widely believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and later passed through various rulers, including Mughal emperors, Persian shahs, and Sikh rulers. In 1849, it was handed to Queen Victoria following the annexation of the Sikh Empire under a peace treaty.
India has repeatedly sought the return of the Koh-i-Noor, while other countries including Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have also been linked to competing historical claims over the gemstone.
Mamdani’s remarks triggered political reactions in the UK. A spokesperson from the Reform UK party criticized the statement, calling it “an insult to the King,” and insisted that the diamond “will remain in the Tower of London.”
The debate over the Koh-i-Noor continues to reflect broader global discussions about colonial history, cultural restitution, and the ownership of historical artefacts.
