Kohinoor to be brought back amicably: Centre

New Delhi: The central government on Friday reiterated its stand on the historic Kohinoor diamond, saying it will "amicably" bring it back from Britain.

"The government of India will take all steps to bring back Kohinoor in an amicable manner," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swaroop told media here.

The government on Tuesday had altered its stand on the issue for the first time after it told the Supreme Court earlier this month that the British East India Company did not take away the Kohinoor diamond but it was gifted to Britain by Maharaja Duleep Singh.

The government changed its stand on the issue after criticism from all quarters.

The 105 carat Kohinoor, now adorning the crown of the British monarch, is kept under tight security in the Tower of London in Britain.