Sushma Swaraj, Mahesh Sharma discuss $200 mn Kohinoor diamond issue

Bringing back of diamond faces legal hurdles as it dates back to pre-Independence period, thus does not fall under purview of Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972

The issue of bringing back the famed Kohinoor diamond from Britain was today discussed at a meeting attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma.

The meeting lasted for over 45 minutes and issues relating to the 108-carat diamond which is currently set in a crown on display in the Tower of London were discussed, a source said.

In April, the government had made a submission in the Supreme Court that the diamond was neither "forcibly taken nor stolen" by the British, but given as a "gift" to the East India Company by the rulers of Punjab.

Bringing back of the diamond faces legal and technical hurdles as it dates back to pre-Independence period and thus did not fall under the purview of Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972.

However, after receiving flak for its stand, the government had said all efforts would be made to get back the diamond estimated to cost over $200 million.

Kohinoor, meaning mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century.

In May, Sharma had told Parliament that Ministry of External Affairs is exploring ways and means for obtaining a satisfactory resolution to this issue with the UK government.

The gem is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India.