The US government has returned a significant number of antiquities to India, marking a crucial step in combating the illicit trade of cultural artifacts. During a recent state visit to New Delhi, the US returned 262 antiquities and signed a comprehensive Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) with India. This agreement aims to effectively curb the illicit trade of culturally valuable property from India to the United States.
The signing of the CPA took place on the sidelines of the World Heritage Committee meeting in the Indian capital. Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the significance of this repatriation, highlighting its role as a practical investment in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development. He stated that such actions empower nations to leverage their cultural assets for educational enrichment, social cohesion, and economic empowerment.
The CPA sets specific restrictions on the import of certain archaeological and ethnological materials from India into the US. This includes items dating back as far as 1.7 million years ago, encompassing various categories of cultural artifacts, such as civic, religious, and royal architectural materials, religious and ceremonial items, and manuscripts. The US government will be responsible for promulgating a list of items restricted for import, ensuring that these culturally significant objects are protected.
The agreement also stipulates that the US government will offer to return to India any object or material listed in the Designated List that is forfeited to the US government. Minister Shekhawat underscored the growing importance of preserving and protecting Indian artifacts and cultural heritage, highlighting its integration into India’s foreign policy over the past decade.
The CPA is a direct outcome of the working group for culture established during last year’s G20 Summit, held under India’s presidency. The ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’, a crucial outcome document of the G20 Culture Working Group, strongly advocated for a strengthened and effective global coalition to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property. This agreement further reinforces the global commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage.
The groundwork for this agreement was laid in 2022 when India approached the US government, exploring potential diplomatic ties under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The US responded positively in 2023, proposing the development of an agreement, which ultimately culminated in the signing of the CPA.