New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has called on Britain’s King Charles III to return the historic Koh-i-Noor diamond to India, bringing renewed attention to long-standing debates over colonial-era artifacts. His remarks came during the monarch’s official visit to the United States, where King Charles participated in a ceremony honoring victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the memorial event, Mamdani, who is Indian American, stated that if given a private opportunity, he would encourage the king to repatriate the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The gemstone, weighing 105 carats, has long been at the center of disputes between India and the United Kingdom. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the mayor’s statement, and Mamdani’s office did not confirm whether the issue was raised during their brief interaction later that day.
The Koh-i-Noor diamond’s controversial history dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was transferred to Queen Victoria following the British annexation of Punjab in 1849 by the East India Company. The diamond was taken from a deposed Indian ruler, fueling ongoing criticism that it represents colonial exploitation. India has repeatedly demanded its return, describing it as a culturally significant artifact deeply rooted in the nation’s heritage.
King Charles’ visit to New York included laying a floral tribute at the World Trade Center memorial, underscoring the solemn nature of the occasion. However, Mamdani’s comments highlight how historical grievances tied to British colonial rule in India continue to resonate. India gained independence in 1947, but issues surrounding colonial-era possessions remain sensitive.
Historically, the Koh-i-Noor diamond has passed through the hands of various rulers, including Mughal emperors, Persian shahs, Afghan leaders, and Sikh maharajas. Today, it remains part of the British Crown Jewels, symbolizing both royal heritage and a contentious colonial legacy.


Israel Intercepts Gaza-Bound Aid Ships Far from Its Shores Amid Ongoing Blockade
Trump Signals Major UFO Disclosure Coming Soon
Trump Considers Reducing U.S. Troops in Germany Amid NATO Tensions
Ghana Rejects U.S. Health Deal Over Data Sharing Concerns Amid Foreign Aid Shift
White House Defends Trump’s FIFA Peace Prize Amid Global Criticism
Taiwan Activates Backup Communications After Undersea Cable Break on Dongyin Island
US-China Talks Put Taiwan at Center of Rising Geopolitical Tensions
King Charles and Queen Camilla Honor 9/11 Victims During New York Visit Amid US-UK Tensions
Kevin Warsh Advances Toward Fed Chair Role Amid Political Tensions
Former FBI Director James Comey Charged Over Alleged Threat Against President
Russia Reports Rising Drone Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure, Putin Says
Iraq Reaffirms Commitment to OPEC as UAE Exits Amid Global Energy Tensions
King Charles Addresses U.S. Congress, Emphasizes UK-US Alliance Amid Political Tensions
Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Denies U.S. Cartel Allegations, Calls Charges Political
US Ties UN Funding to Reforms and Efforts to Counter China’s Influence
Trump Urges Iran to Sign Nuclear Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict and Port Blockade
US Sanctions Target Iran’s Shadow Banking Network and Terror Financing 



