New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he would urge King Charles III to return the historic Kohinoor diamond to India, if given a private opportunity to speak during the monarch’s ongoing visit to the United States. Speaking ahead of a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, Mamdani noted that while the issue was not on the official agenda, it remained an important matter for him.

The mayor later briefly interacted with the King during the memorial event, though there was no confirmation on whether the subject was discussed. The remark marked a rare moment of sensitivity during what has otherwise been a cordial royal visit, which includes high-level meetings and official engagements across the United States.

The Kohinoor diamond, one of the world’s most famous and contested gems, originated in India and has passed through several empires over centuries. Its most controversial transfer occurred in 1849, when it was ceded to the British under the Treaty of Lahore during colonial rule. It was later presented to Queen Victoria and is now part of the British Crown Jewels, displayed at the Tower of London.

India has repeatedly sought the return of the diamond, calling it a symbol of colonial injustice, while the United Kingdom maintains legal ownership based on historical agreements. The issue continues to spark international debate, with other countries also laying claim, making the Kohinoor not just a priceless gem but a lasting point of historical and political contention.