India and USA Sign Landmark Cultural Property Agreement to Curb Illicit Trafficking of Antiquities

New Delhi: In a historic move to protect cultural heritage, the Governments of India and the United States of America have signed the first-ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ (CPA) to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA. The signing took place today on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The agreement was signed by Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and H.E. Eric Garcetti, Ambassador of the United States of America to India, in the presence of Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

The CPA aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, to which both countries are signatories. The issue of illicit trafficking has long plagued many nations, resulting in significant cultural losses. Before the ratification of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, numerous Indian antiquities were smuggled out and are now housed in museums and private collections worldwide.

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighted the importance of this agreement in safeguarding India’s rich cultural heritage. “The CPA marks a new chapter in preventing the illegal trafficking of cultural property and the retrieval of antiquities to their place of origin,” he said. Shekhawat emphasized that the preservation and protection of Indian artifacts have become integral to India’s foreign policy over the past decade, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership playing a pivotal role in repatriating 358 antiquities since 1976, 345 of which have been retrieved since 2014.

The Minister noted that during India’s G20 Presidency, the ‘Protection and Promotion of Cultural Property’ emerged as a key priority, reflecting the concerns of the Culture Sector globally, particularly the Global South. The Kashi Culture Pathway, the Outcome Document of the G20 Culture Working Group, called for a strengthened global coalition to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. This commitment was reiterated in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD) in 2023.

The agreement between India and the USA is the result of year-long bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the G20 Culture Working Group Meetings. It also aligns with the groundbreaking endorsement of “culture as a standalone goal” in the post-2030 development framework in the NDLD, marking a significant shift in global development strategy.

Shekhawat emphasized that repatriation is not only a moral imperative but also a practical investment in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development. “Returning artifacts to their countries of origin nurtures cultural stewardship, promotes tourism, and stimulates economic growth within local communities,” he said. The Minister highlighted India’s Cultural Creative Economy as a model for leveraging heritage and creativity for global benefits, promoting cross-cultural understanding and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to the USA in June 2023, expressed deep appreciation for the repatriation of Indian antiquities from the USA. During this visit, 262 antiquities were handed over to India, underscoring the strong commitment of both nations to enhance cooperation and prevent illegal trafficking of cultural heritage.

Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Govind Mohan, remarked that the agreement symbolizes the strength of bilateral relations and is a significant step in safeguarding the treasures that embody collective history and heritage. “This agreement ensures that these invaluable artifacts remain in their rightful contexts and are preserved for the benefit of future generations,” he said.