New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he would use a private moment with King Charles III to raise one of the most debated symbols of the British Empire, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, suggesting that it should be returned.
Speaking ahead of their expected meeting in New York, Mamdani kept his message direct and personal. “If I were to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Kohinoor Diamond,” he said.
The remark comes as the British monarch continues his visit to the United States, with both leaders scheduled to attend a 9/11 memorial event. Mamdani made it clear that the purpose of the gathering remains solemn, adding that his primary focus will be on honoring those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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Even so, his comment has quickly drawn attention because of what the Koh-i-Noor represents beyond its size and value. Weighing 105.6 carats, the diamond is among the most famous in the world and carries centuries of history. Its name, meaning “Mountain of Light,” reflects both its physical brilliance and its symbolic weight.
The gem was originally mined in India and moved through the hands of several ruling powers across the subcontinent. It was owned by the Mughal emperors before later becoming part of the Sikh Empire. Its journey took a decisive turn in 1849, when the British East India Company annexed Punjab. Under the Treaty of Lahore, the diamond was handed over to the British, with the young ruler Maharaja Duleep Singh required to surrender it as part of the agreement.
Since then, the Koh-i-Noor has remained in British possession and is now part of the Crown Jewels, displayed at the Tower of London. It has been set in crowns worn by British queens, further cementing its place in royal history.
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For India, however, the diamond is not just a royal artifact. Many believe it was taken under unequal conditions during colonial rule, making it a lasting symbol of exploitation and cultural loss. The Indian government has repeatedly called for its return, describing it as a valuable piece of heritage deeply tied to the nation’s history.
The United Kingdom has consistently rejected those demands, maintaining that its ownership is legally valid under the terms of the 19th Century treaty.
Mamdani’s remarks have once again brought this long-standing dispute into public conversation. As a political figure with Indian roots in the United States, his statement reflects a sentiment shared by many who see the return of such artifacts as part of addressing the legacy of colonialism.
While there is no indication that the issue will be formally discussed during the meeting, the mayor’s comment has added a layer of historical and political context to an event otherwise centered on remembrance.