Press Release: United Kingdom owes Restitution to India

By Aditi Singh

The call for accountability from former colonial powers has become an essential part of global political discussions, and India’s relationship with the United Kingdom remains central to that conversation. The issue extends far beyond symbolism: it concerns the return of cultural treasures taken through coercion, annexation and military force, and the broader question of reparations for centuries of economic extraction under British rule.

Among the most visible examples is the Kohinoor diamond, currently part of the British Crown Jewels. Its journey from the Indian subcontinent to the British monarchy was not a matter of diplomacy or cultural exchange but of colonial subjugation. The Kohinoor represents a larger history in which India’s wealth was systematically transferred to Britain. Historians estimate that around $45 trillion was drained from India during colonial rule through exploitative taxation, destruction of local industries and manipulation of trade systems.

The British Empire’s approach to Indian resources was driven by extraction. Industries that once flourished — especially textiles — were suppressed to create markets for British goods. Indian agriculture was reorganized to prioritise raw materials for British factories, contributing to famines that resulted in millions of deaths. Simultaneously, a vast array of jewels, manuscripts, idols, weapons and cultural artefacts were transported to Britain, where many remain in museums and private collections.

Returning these objects would not rewrite history, but it would mark an acknowledgment of how that history unfolded. India’s position aligns with the global movement for restitution: Greece continues its campaign for the Parthenon Marbles, Egypt calls for the Rosetta Stone, and several African nations have successfully reclaimed looted artefacts. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that cultural heritage taken during colonial violence cannot be ethically retained.

Alongside restitution, the question of reparations forms a natural part of this discussion. The intention is not to seek punishment for today’s British citizens but to confront the economic consequences of colonial rule — consequences that continued to shape India long after independence. Reparations could take multiple forms: direct compensation, cultural restoration funding, or structured partnerships aimed at correcting long-term economic disparities.

The UK has previously acknowledged harm in other contexts, including compensation to survivors of colonial violence in Kenya. Recognizing India’s colonial losses would extend that same principle of responsibility.

For many Indians, especially younger generations, this issue is not about reopening old wounds but about closing them properly. The return of stolen artefacts like the Kohinoor would represent a shift toward transparency, respect and equality in international relations. It would demonstrate that the UK is willing to confront its history with honesty and engage with former colonies on fair and ethical terms.

Restitution cannot undo the past, but it can set a different tone for the future. Returning stolen objects would be a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and establishing a global order grounded in justice rather than inherited privilege.