Though the government is exploring ways for a 'satisfactory resolution' of the Kohinoor issue with the UK government, India is unlikely to get back one of the world's largest diamonds.

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“As far as this issue is concerned, there is no legal grounds for restitution,” said Alok Sharma, Minister of Asia and Pacific affairs of the UK government, reported The Hindu.

The visiting minister Sharma also said that the old issues, like returning of precious artefacts, may not be high on the agenda of the Theresa May's government.

The issue of Kohinoor diamond has been in the news for the last few months.

In response to a Public Interest Litigation being heard by the apex court, the government had on April 18 said the diamond, estimated to cost over US $200 million, was neither stolen nor 'forcibly' taken by British rulers but gifted to the East India Company by erstwhile rulers of Punjab 167 years ago. The diamond is currently set in a royal crown on display at the Tower of London.

Kohinoor, meaning mountain of light, is a large, colourless diamond that was found in southern India in early 14th century. The 108-carat gem, which ended up in British hands during the colonial era, is the subject of a historic ownership dispute and has been claimed by at least four countries, including India. 

The Centre has declined to share details of India's efforts to get back the famous Kohinoor diamond from the UK, saying the matter was sub judice.