Mamdani Calls For Koh-i-Noor Return Before Meeting King Charles In US Visit

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for the return of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond shortly before meeting King Charles during an event in the United States. The discussion brought fresh attention to the long-running debate surrounding the ownership of the historic gemstone.

Mamdani made the statement during a press conference before attending a ceremony honoring victims of the September 11 attacks. The mayor, who has Indian roots, said he would encourage King Charles to return the Koh-i-Noor to India if he had the opportunity to speak with him privately.

Diamond Ownership Dispute

The Koh-i-Noor diamond is one of the most famous jewels in the world. The 105-carat stone is currently part of the British Crown Jewels. But India has long said the diamond was stolen in the days of British rule in the country and must be returned.

Many people in India consider Britain’s possession of the gemstone to be a symbol of colonial injustice. Indian officials have described the diamond as an important cultural treasure connected to the country’s history.

Later, Mamdani attended the public ceremony where he met King Charles and Queen Camilla. Photos from the event showed the mayor and the British monarch shaking hands. However, neither Buckingham Palace nor Mamdani’s office confirmed whether the Koh-i-Noor issue was discussed during the meeting.

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron previously rejected calls to return the diamond. In 2013, he said giving back the gemstone would not be a sensible decision.

Centuries of History

The Koh-i-Noor, which means “Mountain of Light” in Persian, has a long and complex history. The diamond was owned by Mughal emperors, Afghan leaders, Iranian soldiers, Sikh maharajas, and, finally, the British.

This stone was first found in the Golconda mines of India. After the Anglo-Sikh war in 1849, the British obtained the diamond under a treaty signed by the young Sikh ruler Duleep Singh.

At that time, the gem weighed 186 carats. It was later recut into an oval shape during the Great Exhibition in London in 1851, reducing its size but increasing its shine.

Royal Crown Connection

Today, the diamond remains set in the crown once worn by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. The controversial jewel was reportedly not used during Queen Camilla’s coronation because of concerns about possible diplomatic tensions with India.

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