Mamdani pushes for Kohinoor’s return to India
Mamdani flags Kohinoor return ahead of royal meeting
New York | Desk: New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has sparked a new debate by making a significant statement just hours before his scheduled meeting with the British monarch, King Charles III. Addressing a press conference, Mamdani stated that if he were to get the opportunity to speak with King Charles privately, he would encourage him to return the Kohinoor diamond to India.
This statement comes as King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived in New York on the second day of their state visit to the United States. Earlier, King Charles addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress and attended a state dinner hosted by President Donald Trump at the White House.
In New York, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the 9/11 Memorial, where they met with Mayor Mamdani.
Notably, the historic 105.6-carat Kohinoor diamond is currently on display at the Tower of London.
The diamond was presented to Queen Victoria by Maharaja Duleep Singh in 1849.
The Government of India has, from time to time, expressed its desire to reclaim the Kohinoor.
The Kohinoor boasts a rich history; according to Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), it has been in the possession of Mughal emperors, the Shahs of Iran, the Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas. Mamdani's latest stance has once again brought the demand for the return of the Kohinoor into the international spotlight.
