30/04/2026
Share:
30/04/2026
Share:
NEW YORK, Apr 30: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles III to return the historic Koh-i-Noor diamond to India, reviving a long-standing dispute over the jewel’s ownership. The remarks came during the monarch’s state visit, where Mamdani said he would raise the issue if given the opportunity, while also emphasizing his focus on honoring victims at a 9/11 memorial event attended by Charles and Queen Camilla.
The Koh-i-Noor, a 106-carat diamond currently housed in the Tower of London as part of Britain’s Crown Jewels, has a contested history. Originally mined in India, it passed through various rulers before being ceded to Queen Victoria in 1849 under a treaty with the Kingdom of Punjab. India has repeatedly sought its return, while other countries, including Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan, have also laid claim.
It remains unclear whether Mamdani raised the issue directly in his brief interaction with the king. The comments sparked criticism from Reform UK, with party figure Zia Yusuf calling the remarks an “insult” and insisting the diamond should remain in Britain.
