22 September 2024/

US RETURNS 297 ANTIQUITIES TO INDIA DURING PM NARENDRA  MODI’S VISIT

The US returned 297 antiquities during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit as an effort to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

These artifacts, spanning 4000 years, will soon be repatriated. In a symbolic handover, select pieces were showcased to PM Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware.

The artifacts returned include a 10-11th century sandstone Apsara, a 15-16th century bronze Jain Tirthankar, and 17-18th century bronze statues of Lord Ganesh and Lord Vishnu.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Joe Biden, highlighting the cultural significance of these objects.

To enhance cultural cooperation, a Cultural Property Agreement was signed in July 2024 between the U.S. State Department and the Archaeological Survey of India.