Letter.

Letter Published in The National UAE on 23 Sep 22. Diamonds are forever – with the colonisers? With reference Taniya Dutta's article Indians demand return of Koh-i-Noor diamond after Queen Elizabeth II's funeral (September 20): this was a comprehensive report with history and background. It adds to the meaningful debate about whether precious objects that colonisers have taken from countries across the world should be returned. In this case, in 1849, India's former king Dileep Singh, as a 10-year-old, signed a treaty with the British. He gave up his sovereignty along with the entire royal treasury, which included the gemstone, to Queen Victoria, who wore the Koh-i-Noor as a brooch. Seeing it on the crown during Queen Elizabeth's funeral has irked some Indians who are calling for it to be returned. I believe the UK should return it to the original owner. India is often known for its friendly nature and peaceable relations within the international arena. But it remains to be seen whether such posturing will ensure the precious diamond returns to its original home. K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India