Lord Ganesha, Krishna artefacts among 297 antiquities handed over to India by US during PM Modi's trip

The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Sunday (Sep 22).

Official sources said the illicit trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit.

“Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India," PM Modi said on X (formerly Twitter).

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Some of the notable antiquities handed over are:

• Apsara in sandstone from Central India belonging to 10-11th century C
• Jain Tirthankar in bronze from Central India belonging to 15-16th century CE
• Terracotta vase from Eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE
• Stone Sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE
• Lord Ganesha in Bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE
• Standing Lord Buddha in sandstone from North India belonging 15-16th century CE
• Lord Krishna in bronze from South India belonging to 17-18th century CE
• Lord Karthikeya in granite from South India belonging to 13-14th century CE

Watch |Gravitas Plus: How India is pushing for the return of stolen antiquities

With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said, adding the number returned from the USA alone will be 578.

Apart from the current visit, the earlier visits of Modi to the USA have also been particularly fruitful in return of antiquities to India.

Officials said during his visit to the US in 2021, 157 antiquities were handed over by the US government, including the exquisite bronze Nataraja statue from the 12th century CE. Also, a few days after his US visit in 2023, 105 antiquities were returned to India.

India’s successful recoveries extend beyond the USA, with 16 artefacts being returned from the UK, 40 from Australia among others, they noted.

In stark contrast only one artefact was returned to India between 2004 and 2013, they said.

Further, in July 2024, on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, in New Delhi, India and the United States signed the first ever ‘Cultural Property Agreement’ to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA.

The spectacular achievement over the last ten years demonstrates the government’s resolve to reclaim India’s stolen treasures and preserve its cultural heritage for future generations, they said.

Modi’s personal bond with global leaders has played a pivotal role in securing these returns.

His proactive approach has led to the recovery of significant artefacts, including revered sculptures and idols, reaffirming India’s cultural identity, they added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.