New Delhi: India and the US have signed the Cultural Property Agreement alongside the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee, aiming to facilitate the repatriation of India’s invaluable heritage and strengthen cultural connections.
The pact was formalized by US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, and Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed on platform X, “A historic day for India’s cultural heritage! In conjunction with the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee #46WHC, India & the USA have ratified the Cultural Property Agreement. This accord paves the way for the return of our invaluable heritage, enriching our cultural bonds.”
India has increasingly focused on reclaiming its cultural heritage in recent years. Official records indicate that since 2014, over 400 artefacts have been repatriated to India. The agreement ensures that the US will proactively offer items for repatriation, eliminating India’s burden to prove ownership.
It establishes import controls to prevent the entry of looted or stolen cultural properties into the US, while also promoting their legal exchange for scientific, cultural, and educational purposes.
According to the agreement, the US commits to seizing contraband at its borders and swiftly facilitating their return.
