In a significant gesture of cultural diplomacy, the United States handed over 297 stolen Indian antiquities to India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country. These artefacts, smuggled out of India over decades, were repatriated as part of a joint effort to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
The official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) confirmed the return, stating, “On the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the United States, the US side facilitated the return of 297 antiquities that had been stolen or trafficked from India.”
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi highlighted the importance of these antiquities, stating they are not just part of India’s historical heritage but are also representative of its ancient civilization and cultural consciousness. He thanked US President Joe Biden and the US government for their efforts, noting on X (formerly Twitter), “I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India.”
The Antiquities and Their Historical Significance
The 297 artefacts span nearly 4,000 years of history, dating from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, and originate from various regions across India. Many of the items are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others include sculptures and objects crafted from stone, metal, wood, and ivory. Notable returned items include:
A sandstone Apsara from Central India (10th-11th century CE)
A bronze Jain Tirthankar from Central India (15th-16th century CE)
A terracotta vase from Eastern India (3rd-4th century CE)
A granite Lord Karthikeya from South India (13th-14th century CE)
A bronze Lord Vishnu from Eastern India (17th-18th century CE)
An anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India (2000-1800 BCE)
These artefacts represent the rich diversity and artistic traditions of India over millennia.
Ongoing Efforts to Reclaim Cultural Heritage
The return of these antiquities is part of a larger effort to combat the illegal trafficking of cultural property. Since 2016, the US has been instrumental in returning hundreds of stolen Indian artefacts. In previous visits by PM Modi, 10 antiquities were returned in 2016, 157 in 2021, and 105 during his visit in 2023. In total, 578 cultural artefacts have been returned by the US, making it the leading country in terms of repatriated Indian cultural heritage.
Additionally, in July 2024, India and the US signed their first ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, solidifying their commitment to preventing the illegal trade of Indian antiquities.
This handover underscores the growing collaboration between India and the United States in preserving and protecting cultural heritage, strengthening their diplomatic ties beyond politics and trade.
Sources By Agencies
