WORLD NEWS

Mamdani Urges King Charles to Return Koh-i-Noor Diamond

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani calls on King Charles III to return the historic Koh-i-Noor Diamond, reigniting colonial-era debate.
2026-04-30
Mamdani Urges King Charles to Return Koh-i-Noor Diamond

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on King Charles III to return the historic Koh-i-Noor Diamond, reviving a long-standing global debate over colonial-era artifacts.

Speaking ahead of a meeting with the British monarch during his visit to New York, Mamdani said that if given the opportunity, he would encourage the king to return the diamond to its place of origin.

The Koh-i-Noor, one of the world’s most famous diamonds, was taken by the British after the annexation of Punjab in the 19th century and later presented to Queen Victoria.

Currently part of the British Crown Jewels and displayed in London, the diamond has been at the center of international disputes for decades. Countries including India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all laid claim to it, viewing it as a symbol of colonial exploitation.

Mamdani’s remarks came during a press conference before attending a 9/11 memorial ceremony, where he later briefly met King Charles. However, it remains unclear whether the issue was directly raised during their interaction.

The statement has reignited discussions about the restitution of cultural and historical artifacts taken during colonial rule, an issue that continues to generate debate across the world.

Analysts say such calls reflect growing global pressure on former colonial powers to address historical injustices and consider returning culturally significant items to their countries of origin.