<p>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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 USD 200 million.<br /><br />Kohinoor, meaning mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The gem is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India. </p>
<p>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.<br /><br /></p>.<p>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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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 USD 200 million.<br /><br />Kohinoor, meaning mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />The gem is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India. </p>