Mamdani backs Koh-i-Noor return to India during King Charles's 9/11 memorial trip
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New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has backed the demand for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India, making the remarks during King Charles’ visit to the United States.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, hours before a ceremony to mark the victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks, Mamdani said he would encourage the British monarch to return the famed diamond if he had the chance to speak to him separately.
“If I were to speak to the king separately from that [the event King Charles was attending], I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor Diamond,” Mamdani said.
The remark is notable given Mamdani’s Indian roots. His mother is Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, and he leads one of the world’s most prominent cities.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are in the US on a four-day visit, partly to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Charles later met Mamdani at the commemorative event. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the issue, Reuters reported, while Mamdani’s office did not say whether the topic came up during their interaction.
India has repeatedly called for the return of the 105-carat diamond from Britain. The gem was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 after the East India Company annexed Punjab in 1849. It was taken from the deposed Sikh ruler Maharaja Duleep Singh before being transferred to British hands.
India has long described the Koh-i-Noor as a valuable part of its cultural history, while many Indians see its presence in Britain as a symbol of colonial-era exploitation.
The diamond, which is among the largest cut diamonds in the world, is currently on display as part of the British Crown Jewels at the Tower of London.