New York, USA – Web Desk: New York City Mayor Zahran Mamdani has requested Britain’s King Charles III to return the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, reigniting a decades-old colonial-era debate.
According to media reports, Mamdani’s remarks came during the British monarch’s ongoing visit to the United States. Speaking at a press conference just hours before an event commemorating the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks — which the King also attended — Mamdani said: “I will speak to King Charles about returning the Koh-i-Noor diamond.”
Mamdani, who is an Indian-American politician, later met the King at the commemorative event.
However, Buckingham Palace has declined to comment on Mamdani’s statement. The mayor’s office has also not responded to queries about whether Mamdani actually raised the issue with the King during their meeting.
Weighing approximately 105 carats, the Koh-i-Noor — meaning “Mountain of Light” — is one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. It came into British possession in the mid-19th century and has been part of the British Crown Jewels for generations.
India has previously made multiple requests to Britain for the return of the diamond. Other countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, have also laid claim to the historic gem.
The British government has consistently maintained that the Koh-i-Noor was acquired legally and remains part of the Crown Jewels. Buckingham Palace has not indicated any change in that position.
The issue has become a recurring symbol of demands for restitution of cultural artifacts taken during the colonial era. No official statement is expected from the Palace unless the matter is formally raised through diplomatic channels.
