A total of 588 antiquities have been repatriated to India from the United States, with 297 of them being returned in 2024, the government informed Parliament on Thursday. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat provided this information in a written response to a query in the Rajya Sabha.
The question raised was regarding the number of “looted or stolen artifacts” expected to be repatriated under the US-India Cultural Property Agreement, aimed at preventing the illicit trade of antiquities.
Union Minister Shekhawat explained, “The Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) was signed with the United States to prevent the smuggling of Indian antiquities. The agreement is preventive in nature and does not set specific timelines or target numbers. So far, 588 antiquities have been repatriated from the USA, with 297 returned in 2024.”
When asked whether the government plans to collaborate with international organizations or other nations to bolster efforts in recovering stolen antiquities, the Minister responded that India works with several international bodies, including UNESCO and INTERPOL, based on need. He added, “The CPA includes provisions for cooperation and mutual understanding on matters related to technical assistance, illicit trade, and the pillage of cultural property.”
