Mamdani Criticised For Koh-i-Noor Remark Sparks Backlash

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing growing criticism after his remarks about the Koh-i-Noor diamond during the visit of King Charles III to New York sparked political and media backlash. The controversy began after Mamdani said he would encourage the British monarch to return the historic Koh-i-Noor diamond to India if he had the opportunity to speak privately with him.

The comments were made ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial in Manhattan, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla were paying tribute to victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. When reporters asked Mamdani what he planned to say to the king during the visit, he initially stressed that the focus of the event should remain on honouring the more than 3,000 people killed in the attacks. However, after further questioning, he added that he would probably encourage the king to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond to India.

The statement quickly triggered criticism from several media outlets and political commentators. The editorial board of the New York Post described Mamdani’s remarks as “rude” and accused him of failing to show proper respect during an important diplomatic and memorial event. Critics argued that raising the issue of colonial-era artifacts during a solemn ceremony connected to the 9/11 attacks was inappropriate.

According to reports, some commentators also accused Mamdani of focusing too heavily on colonialism instead of diplomacy. A separate article in the New York Post described his behaviour as immature and claimed the mayor acted “like a petulant teen” during the royal visit. Critics questioned whether the mayor should have used the occasion to discuss sensitive historical disputes connected to the British Empire.

Despite the backlash, the actual meeting between Mamdani and King Charles appeared calm and polite. Videos circulating on social media showed the two leaders greeting each other briefly at the memorial ceremony alongside other officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul. City Hall officials later said the mayor and the king “exchanged pleasantries” during the event.

The controversy has once again brought international attention to the long-running debate surrounding the Koh-i-Noor diamond. The famous 105.6-carat diamond is currently displayed in the Tower of London as part of the British Crown Jewels. India has repeatedly argued that the diamond was taken during British colonial rule and should be returned. The issue has remained politically sensitive for decades, with several countries historically claiming ownership of the gem.

Supporters of Mamdani defended his remarks and argued that discussions about colonial history and cultural artifacts are important topics that should not be ignored. Some activists and commentators praised the mayor for raising the issue publicly during a high-profile royal visit. They argued that the return of colonial-era artifacts has become an increasingly important international debate in recent years.

The timing of Mamdani’s remarks also gained attention because New York officials recently returned more than 650 stolen antiquities worth around $14 million to India. Many of these cultural objects had reportedly been linked to international smuggling networks. The repatriation ceremony renewed wider conversations about the ownership and return of historical artifacts taken during colonial periods.

The Koh-i-Noor diamond itself has a long and complicated history. Over centuries, the diamond passed through the hands of Mughal emperors, Persian rulers, Afghan leaders, and Sikh Maharajas before eventually coming under British control in the 19th century. It was officially presented to Queen Victoria in 1849 after the annexation of Punjab by the British Empire.

As criticism and debate continue online and in political circles, the controversy has highlighted how deeply issues connected to colonial history, diplomacy, and cultural heritage still resonate today. While some people viewed Mamdani’s comments as inappropriate for the occasion, others saw them as part of a broader global conversation about historical justice and the return of disputed cultural treasures.