British Minister David Cameron who visited India recently made it clear that the Kohinoor diamond won’t be returned to India as such a step would result in empty rooms in British Museums. The diamond was mined in The Deccan more than one and a half century ago and during the course of time it transferred hands and finally found itself as a part of the British crown jewels.

Cameron asserted the stand of the British Government in an interview to a news channel, "I know there is also a great argument about the original provenance of the Kohinoor diamond. I'm afraid this will disappoint viewers, but it's going to have to stay put.”

British MP of Indian-origin, Keith Vaz had raised the issue prior to Cameron’s visit to India. Vaz’ statement read, "I believe that this is the perfect opportunity for the prime minister to discuss the issue of the Kohinoor. It would be very fitting for the Kohinoor to return to the country in which it was mined so soon after the diamond jubilee of the Indian republic and 161 years after its removal from India."

Cameron’s argument in support of the decision of not returning the diamond to India was - "What tends to happen with these questions is that if you say yes to one, you suddenly find the British Museum will be emptied."