New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has urged King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India during their meeting at the 9/11 Memorial. The move has sparked a diplomatic row, with Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf threatening to ban Mamdani from entering Britain unless he retracts his statement.
Key Takeaways
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani urged King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India during their meeting at the 9/11 Memorial. Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf threatened to ban Mamdani from Britain unless he retracts his statement, sparking scrutiny over free speech.
- New York officials returned 657 antiquities valued at $14 million to India
- Mamdani suggested encouraging King Charles to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond
- Reform UK leader Zia Yusuf threatened to ban Mamdani from Britain
- The Koh-i-Noor diamond's ownership is disputed by multiple countries
The 105-carat diamond, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world, is part of the Crown Jewels held at the Tower of London. Its ownership has been disputed by India, which claims it was stolen during British rule. Mamdani, who has Indian roots and was elected as New York's youngest mayor last year, stated he would encourage King Charles to return the diamond during their meeting.
Yusuf, who would oversee the Home Office if Reform won power, criticized Mamdani's remarks as insulting to the King. However, Yusuf faced scrutiny over Reform's commitment to free speech following his threat. Independent MP Shockat Adam questioned the party's stance on free speech in light of Yusuf's outburst.
The Koh-i-Noor diamond has a complex history, having passed through the hands of Mughal emperors, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas. The East India Company took the jewel from deposed 10-year-old Maharajah Duleep Singh in 1849 as part of the Treaty of Lahore.
Meanwhile, New York officials returned more than 657 antiquities valued at $14 million to India. The return was announced by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr and included artifacts connected to alleged art smuggler Subhash Kapoor. A ceremony for the return of these items was held at the consulate general of India.
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