India and US Ink Agreement to Tackle Illegal Trafficking of Cultural Artifacts

July 27 :
India and the US have inked a historic bilateral agreement to combat cultural property trafficking and ensure the safe return of artifacts to their rightful owners. During India's hosting of the World Heritage Committee's 46th session, the United States and India inked a cultural property agreement. The agreement was formalized by U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Union Cultural Secretary Govind Mohan in the presence of Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, as stated by the Indian Ministry of Culture on July 26.

Noting the importance of the accord, Shekhawat said, "It is a general agreement that will allow smooth repatriation of historic artifacts from the U.S. to India." In addition, he said that "297 items lying in the U.S., ready to be repatriated."

There have been 358 artifacts restored to India since 1976, with 345 of those recovered in 2014 alone. The pact will make it easier to restore stolen or plundered artifacts to their rightful countries.

This agreement brings India's total number of bilateral cultural property agreements with the US to 30, according to the US Embassy in New Delhi.

Two things are covered by this agreement about cultural property. Justice lies at the heart of the matter; namely, the return of properly owned property to the Indian people and to India. Second, linking India to the rest of the globe is the main objective. The culture that we are honoring here today should be known, seen, and experienced by all citizens of the world, not just Americans. Ambassador Garcetti made the comment that understanding Indian culture meant understanding human culture.

The State Department negotiated the agreement as part of U.S. law that implements the 1970 UNESCO Convention. It is a major milestone in the fight against the illegal transfer, import, and export of cultural property.

In his remarks, Ambassador Garcetti lauded India's hosting of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee by UNESCO, saying that it demonstrates the country's dedication to preserving its own history and helping other countries do the same.

As stated in the joint statement issued after their meeting in June 2023, this event fulfills President Biden's and Prime Minister Modi's commitment to enhance cooperation to protect cultural heritage. It marks the culmination of nearly two years of diligent work by experts from both countries, according to the Embassy.