New York Mayor Advocates for Return of Kohinoor Diamond to India

Mayor Mamdani's Call for the Kohinoor Diamond

Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York City, expressed his intention to urge King Charles III to return the Kohinoor diamond to India if given the chance for a private conversation. His comments came ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony in lower Manhattan commemorating the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, where he was scheduled to meet the King later that day.

During a press briefing, Mamdani stated, "If I were to have a private discussion with the king, I would likely encourage him to consider returning the Kohinoor diamond." This diamond, part of the British Crown Jewels and currently displayed at the Tower of London, has been a contentious issue. India has long demanded its return, citing the historical context of British colonialism, while other nations, including Iran and Pakistan, have also claimed ownership.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting the US for four days, which includes a private meeting with Donald Trump, an address to Congress, and a state dinner at the White House. They are set to participate in the Ground Zero ceremony, honoring the over 3,000 victims of the September 11 attacks.

Later that day, Mamdani met with King Charles III at the 9/11 memorial in Manhattan. The British monarch, who had not visited New York in nearly two decades, greeted the mayor with a handshake and brief conversation. The King and Queen Camilla honored the victims by laying a bouquet of white flowers at the memorial's pools and observed a moment of silence. They also interacted with the families of those who perished in the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Mamdani maintained a respectful tone regarding the memorial event, stating, "I will be attending a wreath-laying alongside other elected officials, including Gov. Hochul and Gov. Sherrill, to honor the more than 3,000 New Yorkers who lost their lives in the tragic September 11 attacks. That is my primary focus for this event," he concluded.