"105 Indian Antiquities to Return Home!": Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Indian Ambassador to the US

On Monday, 17th July, 2023, the Indian consulate in New York organized a repatriation ceremony for 105 trafficked antiquities received from the US. The Consulate General of India in New York stated that the antiquities will be transported to India shortly.

India and the US agreed on a Cultural Property Agreement during PM Modi's state visit, aiming to prevent illegal trafficking of cultural artifacts. This strengthens collaboration between Homeland Security and law enforcement agencies of both countries. The development comes from this state visit to the US in June 2023.

Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, on Monday tweeted that 105 Indian antiquities would be returning home. He was delighted to attend the ceremony in NewYork this morning, marking the restitution of artifacts following PM Modi's State Visit. 

He also thanked the US, particularly Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his Anti-Trafficking Unit, and the Homeland Security Investigation team for their exceptional cooperation and support. 

He emphasized that for the people of India, these artifacts hold immense cultural and historical significance, representing a vital part of their living heritage.

According to the official statement, the repatriation ceremony was graced by senior officials from the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the Homeland Security Investigation team.

Out of 105 artifacts with 47 are  from Eastern India, 27 from Southern India, 22 from Central India, six from Northern India and three from Western India. The artifacts, spanning from 2nd-3rd century CE to 18th-19th century CE, are made of terracotta, stone, metal, and wood. About 50 of them are related to religious subjects (Hinduism, Jainism, and Islam), while the rest hold cultural significance.

According to the release, the US has now returned a total of 278 cultural artifacts to India since 2016, with the addition of these 105 antiquities. 16 antiques were returned in 2016, 157 in 2021 and 105 will be returning in 2023.

The joint statement issued by India and the US reflects their shared sentiments and intentions, expressing that their cooperation will benefit the world as they collaborate through various multilateral and regional groupings, notably the Quad. They aim to contribute to a free, open, inclusive, and resilient Indo-Pacific. The partnership between these two nations extends from the seas to the stars, touching every aspect of human endeavor.

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