New Delhi: India and the United States have today formalized a Cultural Property Agreement aimed at repatriating stolen Indian artifacts currently held in the US. This landmark agreement marks the first such accord between the two nations.
Under the new agreement, both countries will collaborate to curb and prevent the illicit trade, import, export, and trafficking of archaeological and ethnological materials. The deal is seen as a significant step forward in protecting and preserving cultural heritage.
At a press conference in New Delhi, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the agreement as historic. He emphasized that it would enhance bilateral relations and promote intercultural growth between the two countries. Shekhawat noted that the agreement follows a year of negotiations that began at the G-20 Summit in India last year.
He also underscored the importance of repatriating illegally acquired artifacts, which allows communities to reclaim and preserve their heritage.
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a vital move to acknowledge and return India’s cultural treasures.
He pointed out that India is now the 30th partner in the US’s bilateral Cultural Property Agreement program. Garcetti reiterated the US’s commitment to strengthening its cultural diplomacy with India, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
