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Sunak, 42, became the country’s first leader of Indian origin, fueling hopes that he may respond more favorably to calls for him to intervene in handing over the most precious and historic diamond to India.
The iconic 105.6-ct Type IIa D-color gem, the centerpiece of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s crown, was presented to Britain by the Maharaja of Lahore in 1847 after the Anglo-Sikh war.
India, and several other countries – Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan – have all laid claim to the stone.
The death of Queen Elizabeth last month, and the prospect of Queen Consort Camilla wearing it at the forthcoming coronation, next May, have already reignited the long-running Koh-i-Noor debate.
The hashtag Kohinoor is trending on Twitter as thousands of Indian demand its return.
“Now just return the Kohinoor and not all but some will be forgiven. A historic moment indeed,” tweeted award-winning Indian journalist Barkha Dutt.
Some tweetaratis shared hilarious ideas to bring back Kohinoor from Britain.
“My friend’s idea to get back #Kohinoor. Invite #RishiSunak to India, and kidnap him when he is stuck in Bangalore traffic to visit his in-laws. Send Ashish Nehra as UK PM and no one will realize it. Nehra will be told to pass the bill to return Kohinoor” tweeted Harsh Goenka.
Sunak, who describes himself as “a proud Hindu”, was born in Britain to parents of Punjabi descent. His wife Akshata Murthy is the daughter of Indian billionaire Narayana Murthy, chairman of IT giant Infosys.
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