US returns nearly 300 antiquities smuggled out of India during Prime Minister Modi’s US visit

On the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States, the US has returned 297 antiquities to India that were stolen and smuggled out of the country. These antiquities will shortly be repatriated to India. In a symbolic handover, a select few pieces were showcased to Prime Minister and President Biden on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. The Prime Minister thanked President Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts.

He noted that these objects were not just part of India’s historical material culture but formed the inner core of its civilisation and consciousness. In keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024 to fulfil the commitments made by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage, as reflected in the Joint Statement issued after their meeting in June 2023.

The antiquities belong to a time period spanning almost 4000 years, from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, and have origins in different parts of India. The majority of the antiquities are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, while others are made in stone, metal, wood, and ivory and belong to different parts of the country. Some



of the notable antiquities handed over are Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century CE; Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE; Lord Ganesh in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE; and Lord Vishnu in bronze from Eastern India belonging to 17-18th century CE, among others.

In recent times, restitution of cultural property has become an important aspect of India-US cultural understanding and exchange. Since 2016, the US government has facilitated the return of a large number of trafficked or stolen antiquities. 10 antiquities were returned during PM’s visit to the USA in June 2016; 157 antiquities during his visit in September 2021; and a further 105 antiquities during his visit in June last year. The total number of cultural artefacts returned from the US to India since 2016 stands at 578. This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to India.

The spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the government’s resolve to reclaim India’s stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations. PM Modi’s personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returns. His proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts, including revered sculptures and idols, reaffirming India’s cultural identity.