New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said on Wednesday (April 29) that he would take any opportunity to speak with King Charles III to raise the issue of returning the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India.
Speaking to reporters before a 9/11 memorial event in New York, Mamdani outlined what he would say if he had a private moment with the monarch: “You know, if I were to talk to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond.”
The planned event — a wreath-laying at Ground Zero — comes as the city approaches the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
A diamond with a questionable past
The Koh-i-Noor diamond, whose name means “Mountain of Light”, is one of the most famous and controversial gemstones in the world. It is believed to have been discovered in South India as early as the 13th century and passed through many rulers over the centuries.
In 1849, the diamond came into British ownership after the annexation of Punjab. As part of the Treaty of Lahore, the young ruler of the region was forced to relinquish sovereignty and hand over the jewel to the British crown.
Part of the British Crown Jewels
Today, the diamond is part of the British Crown Jewels. It was set in the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother – the wife of King George VI. and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II.
The diamond-encrusted crown is currently on public display at the Tower of London, where it remains a major historical attraction.
Calls for repatriation
India has long called for the return of the diamond, claiming it was taken under colonial rule. She’s not alone—several other countries have also claimed the gem, citing historical ownership.
