“If I were to speak to the king separately from that, I’d probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond,” said New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani plans to make this request during a brief meeting with King Charles III. The meeting is expected to take place soon.
The Koh-i-Noor diamond has a long and controversial history. Mined in India, it dates back to at least the 17th century. The diamond became part of the British Crown Jewels after being taken from an Indian royal family by the British East India Company in 1849.
The Indian government has repeatedly demanded its return since gaining independence in 1947. Most recently, India requested the diamond in 2016.
The Koh-i-Noor is considered priceless, with significant cultural and historical ties to India. It was once owned by Mughal emperors before falling into British hands.
Mamdani’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about colonial artifacts and their rightful ownership. The diamond’s return has become a symbol of India’s struggle against colonial rule.
The Indian government has stated, “The Koh-i-Noor diamond was a valued piece of art with strong roots in our nation’s history.” This sentiment resonates strongly within India’s cultural narrative.
As of midday, details about the exact date of the meeting remain unclear. No timeline has been shared regarding when Mamdani will meet King Charles.
