UK considering minting a coin to commemorate India's Mahatma Gandhi

A statue depicting Mahatma Gandhi stands at the Ariana Park in Geneva, Switzerland. EPA/SALVATORE DI NOLFI

Britain is considering minting a coin to commemorate India's independence hero Mahatma Gandhi.

The UK Treasury announced the move on Saturday, amid growing interest in recognising the contributions of minorities.

He would be the first non-white person to feature on British currency.

British Finance Minister Rishi Sunak asked the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) to pursue recognition of Black, Asian and other minority individuals, the Treasury said.

"RMAC is currently considering a coin to commemorate Gandhi", the UK Treasury said in an emailed statement.

In June a statue of Gandhi in London was defaced during Black Lives Matter protests.