Britain's Cameron rejects Indian demand for Koh-i-Noor diamond to be returned

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, David Cameron, has turned down a demand from Indian for the 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond to be returned.

The famous diamond is set in the crown of the deceased mother of Queen Elizabeth II, and is on permanent display in the Tower of London.

Great Britain's Governor-General in India in 1850 presented the Koh-i-Noor diamond to Queen Victoria. Britain ruled India from 1858 to 1947.

Indian leaders have regularly requested that the diamond be sent back to its home country as a means for Britain to make up for its past imperial past.

Cameron said there was no possibility of the diamond being returned. He made the comments on the third day of a trade and investment visit to India.

His response is in line with previous British leaders since India gained independence from Britain nearly 66 years ago.

"I don't think that's the right approach," Cameron said in response to questions about the diamond to reporters covering his trip.

"The right answer is for the British Museum and other cultural institutions to do exactly what they do, which is to link up with other institutions around the world to make sure that the things which we have and look after so well are properly shared with people around the world.

"I certainly don't believe in 'returnism', as it were. I don't think that's sensible."