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Mamdani Calls on King Charles to Return Koh-i-Noor Diamond to India

April 30, 2026CBS New York / NBC New York / France 24 / CNN / Fox News Official
Read the full story at CBS New York / NBC New York / France 24 / CNN / Fox News
Summary

During the lead-up to King Charles III's NYC 9/11 Memorial visit Wed Apr 29, Mayor Mamdani told reporters that if he had a private moment with the monarch he would "encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond" to India. The 105.6-carat stone, given to Queen Victoria in 1849 under the Treaty of Lahore, has been a long-running diplomatic flashpoint. Mamdani and the king were photographed laughing during a brief handshake at the wreath-laying — it is unclear whether Mamdani raised the diamond directly. Story was picked up internationally (CBS, CNN, NBC, Fox, France 24, CTV, RTÉ, India TV, Fortune) on Apr 30 — the most viral Mamdani moment of the King's visit.

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