Indians demand diamond

The Indian Government has joined an international campaign as part of its efforts to make Britain return the Koh i Noor diamond.

The gem has been in British possession since East India Company forces defeated the Maharajah of Punjab in 1849 and forced him to hand it over to Queen Victoria as part of the Treaty of Lahore.

It was last worn in public by the late Queen Mother and last seen set inside the Maltese Cross on top of her coffin.

India claims the diamond was illegally acquired and wants it returned with other treasures. A spokesman for the British High Commission in New Delhi said the Government rejected India's claim and said that the diamond was "legitimately acquired". Its ownership was "non-negotiable".