New York: In a significant diplomatic gesture, the United States handed over 297 antiquities, smuggled out of India, back to the country during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. This restitution of cultural heritage was seen as a milestone in Indo-US cooperation, symbolizing a growing partnership between the two nations in protecting and preserving cultural heritage. The return of these artifacts, some dating back centuries, highlights India’s ongoing efforts to recover stolen antiquities.
The 297 recovered artifacts consist of an array of priceless statues, intricate sculptures, and religious icons, each carrying deep cultural and historical significance for India. These antiquities were illicitly taken from various regions of India, where they once adorned temples, museums, and private collections. Spanning centuries, many of these pieces are invaluable representations of India’s rich artistic and religious traditions.
Among the recovered items are ancient Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain idols, many of which depict revered deities and hold immense spiritual importance. Some of the notable pieces include bronze statues from South India.
During PM Modi’s visit, the Indian Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the US for taking action against the illegal trade of cultural treasures. Modi acknowledged the deep cultural significance of these artifacts and praised the continued collaboration between India and the US in retrieving its lost heritage.
The return of these artifacts marks another chapter in India’s relentless pursuit of retrieving its stolen heritage from across the globe. India has intensified its diplomatic efforts in recent years to recover thousands of antiquities smuggled abroad, ensuring that they are returned to their rightful place.
US officials, in turn, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting India in preventing the illegal smuggling of its cultural heritage. This historic handover strengthens the diplomatic ties between the two nations and showcases their mutual respect for cultural preservation.
Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties.
I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India. @POTUS @JoeBiden pic.twitter.com/0jziIYZ1GO
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2024
