India-U.S. Cultural Property Agreement: 297 Stolen Antiquities Set for Return to India

Wilmington, Delaware: The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Archaeological Survey of India signed a Cultural Property Agreement in July 2024, marking a major milestone in protecting India’s rich cultural heritage. This agreement, fulfilling commitments made by President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their June 2023 meeting, underscores the shared commitment of both nations to safeguard historical treasures.

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the United States, President Biden facilitated the return of 297 antiquities stolen or trafficked from India. In a symbolic gesture, a select few of these pieces were showcased to both leaders on the sidelines of their bilateral meeting in Wilmington, Delaware. Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to President Biden, highlighting that these artefacts are not merely historical objects but form the core of India’s civilization and cultural consciousness.

The 297 antiquities span nearly 4,000 years, ranging from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, and originate from various regions across India. Among them are terracotta artefacts from Eastern India, along with pieces made of stone, metal, wood, and ivory. Notable antiquities include:

• Apsara in sandstone from Central India (10-11th century CE)
• Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India (15-16th century CE)
• Terracotta vase from Eastern India (3-4th century CE)
• Stone sculpture from South India (1st century BCE–1st century CE)
• Lord Ganesh in bronze from South India (17-18th century CE)
• Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India (15-16th century CE)
• Lord Vishnu in bronze from Eastern India (17-18th century CE)
• Anthropomorphic figure in copper from North India (2000-1800 BCE)
• Lord Krishna in bronze from South India (17-18th century CE)
• Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India (13-14th century CE)

This restitution is part of an ongoing effort between the U.S. and India to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property. Since 2016, the U.S. government has facilitated the return of 578 stolen or trafficked antiquities, making it the largest single contributor to India’s efforts to reclaim its lost cultural heritage. Notably, 10 antiquities were returned during Prime Minister Modi’s visit in June 2016, followed by 157 in September 2021, and 105 in June 2023.