Zohran Mamdani suggests Koh-i-Noor return to Charles III — Maire De New York

Zohran Mamdani, the maire de new york, said on Wednesday, April 29, that he would encourage King Charles III to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond if he had the chance to speak with him separately. He made the remark while accompanying Charles III and Queen Camilla to the September 11 memorial at Ground Zero in New York.

Ground Zero on April 29

Mamdani told the press before the memorial event that the wreath-laying was meant to honor the more than 3,000 New Yorkers who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks. He then answered a question about what he would tell Charles III with a direct reference to the diamond dispute.

“Si je devais parler au roi séparément, je l’encouragerais probablement à rendre le diamant Koh-i-Noor,” Mamdani said.

The royal couple paid tribute to the 67 British victims of the attacks during the New York visit. Michael, who served as mayor of New York from 2002 to 2013, accompanied Charles III and Camilla at the memorial site.

Koh-i-Noor dispute

The Koh-i-Noor is described as a 105-carat diamond. It is said to adorn the crown of Queen Elizabeth II and is now displayed at the Tower of London. India claims ownership of the stone and says it was stolen.

The remark brought that long-running dispute into a public appearance tied to the memorial visit. Mamdani made only a brief appearance alongside Charles III, and the comment drew criticism from the New York Post and from many internet users on social media. The Indian press reported the request with enthusiasm.

Palace response

The Palace refused to comment on Mamdani's statement. That leaves the comment as a public challenge made during a carefully staged royal stop in New York, with the reaction now split between sharp criticism in English-language coverage and a warmer reception in Indian media.