NEW DELHI (Commodity Online) : British Prime Minister David Cameron on Thursday ruled out returning the world famous Kohinoor diamond to its actual owner, India.

Speaking to a local media during his recent visit to India, Cameron said "What tends to happen with these questions is that if you say yes to one, then you would suddenly find the British Museum empty”.

"I know there is a great argument about the original provenance of the Kohinoor diamond, but I am afraid to say it's going to stay put," he added.

The 105 carat gemstone set in the coronation crown of the British royals was mined in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

It was seized by the East India Company and became part of the British Crown Jewels when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in 1877.

India has made regular requests for its return but was denied by the British authorities from time to time.