US hands over 297 Indian antiquities during PM Modi's visit

The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities which were smuggled out of the country during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi an official statement said on Sunday reported news agency PTIOfficial sources said illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history and India has been particularly hit reported PTIPM Modi said on X 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 IndiaHe thanked President Joe Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts He noted that these objects were not just part of Indias historical material culture but formed the inner core of its civilisation and consciousness the statement saidWith this the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640 officials said adding the number returned from the USA alone will be 578This is the maximum number of cultural artefacts returned by any country to IndiaSome of the notable antiquities handed over to India include an apsara in sandstone from central India belonging to 1011th century CE a Jain Tirthankar in bronze belonging to 1516th century CE terracotta vase from eastern India belonging to 34th century CE and a stone sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE1st century CE reported PTIOther prominent items include Lord Ganesh in bronze from south India belonging to 1718th century CE standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from north India from 1516th century CE and Lord Vishnu in bronze from Eastern India belonging to 1718th century CE reported PTIApart from the current visit the earlier visits of PM Modi to the USA have also been particularly fruitful in return of antiquities to IndiaOfficials said during his visit to the US in 2021 157 antiquities were handed over by the US government including the exquisite bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century CE Also a few days after his US visit in 2023 105 antiquities were returned to India reported PTIIndias successful recoveries extend beyond the USA with 16 artefacts being returned from the UK 40 from Australia among others they notedIn stark contrast only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013 they saidFurther in July 2024 on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee at New Delhi India and the United States signed the first ever Cultural Property Agreement to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA reported PTIThe spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the governments resolve to reclaim Indias stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations they saidPM Modis personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returnsHis proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts including revered sculptures and idols reaffirming Indias cultural identity they added reported PTIThe statement said in keeping with close bilateral ties and to foster greater cultural understanding the US State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India under Ministry of Culture had 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 reported PTIA joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023 reflected that it addedWith inputs from PTI