India has made significant strides in the recovery of its cultural heritage, particularly in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s ongoing visit to the United States, 297 antiquities were returned to India, adding to the 640 antiquities recovered since 2014. Out of these, 578 antiquities have been returned from the US alone, highlighting the strong collaboration between the two nations in preserving India’s cultural treasures.
A Decade of Success in Reclaiming Stolen Heritage
The successful recovery of Indian antiquities has been a key focus of the Modi government, with his visits to the US playing a significant role in these efforts. Notably, during his 2021 visit, 157 antiquities were returned, including the renowned 12th-century bronze Nataraja statue. In 2023, 105 more antiquities were repatriated to India just days after PM Modi’s visit.
India’s efforts to reclaim its heritage extend beyond the US. The UK has returned 16 artefacts, and 40 items have been recovered from Australia, among others. In contrast, only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013, underlining the current government’s heightened focus on reclaiming cultural property.
Cultural Property Agreement with the US
In July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi, India and the US signed their first-ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’. This landmark pact aims to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the US. It marks a crucial step forward in securing India’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
PM Modi’s Personal Diplomacy: A Game Changer
Prime Minister Modi’s personal rapport with global leaders has been instrumental in these recoveries. His proactive diplomacy has led to the return of revered sculptures and idols, reinforcing India’s cultural identity. This commitment to preserving India’s heritage for future generations underscores the government’s dedication to cultural preservation.