India, US sign cultural property pact on return of smuggled antiquities

The agreement was signed by US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Culture Secretary Govind Mohan, on the sidelines of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in New Delhi.

“This marks the culmination of nearly two years of diligent work by experts from both countries and fulfils President Joe Biden’s and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage highlighted in the joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023,” said a statement issued by the US Embassy in India.

In November 2023, The Indian Express had reported that India was close to signing an agreement with the US under which the process for the return of stolen antiquities would be simplified.

“This is about two things. First and foremost, it’s about justice – returning to India and to Indians, what is rightfully theirs.  Secondly, it’s about connecting India with the world. To know Indian culture is to know human culture,” Garcetti said.

With this agreement, India joins the ranks of 29 existing US bilateral cultural property agreement partners. The US has 28 active bilateral cultural property agreements including with Afghanistan, China, Cambodia, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Jordan and Turkey.

India has put a renewed focus on repatriation of its heritage over the last few years, with Prime Minister Modi having broached the matter with several global leaders and multilateral institutions during his foreign visits.

According to government data, over 400 antiquities have been brought back to India since 2014.

Mohan had earlier told The Indian Express: “As per the agreement presently underway, the US will intercept smuggled goods at the border and return them expeditiously. The current process of repatriation will be simplified, and early return of antiquities will become possible.”