US Repatriates Over 1,400 Looted Artefacts Worth $10 Million to India

The US repatriated over 1,400 looted artefacts worth $10 million to India, reflecting enhanced collaboration against art trafficking. Recovered from criminal networks, these include a sandstone celestial dancer sculpture. This move follows a landmark Cultural Property Agreement, with 578 artefacts returned to India since 2016, marking a significant cultural preservation milestone.

In a significant move towards preserving cultural heritage, the United States has returned over 1,400 looted artefacts valued at $10 million to India. This initiative, part of ongoing efforts to combat art trafficking, highlights the US’s commitment to restoring stolen cultural treasures.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed that these artefacts were recovered through investigations into international trafficking networks, including those operated by convicted art smugglers Subhash Kapoor and Nancy Wiener. Kapoor, once a prominent antiquities dealer, is currently serving a 10-year sentence in India for leading a multimillion-dollar looting ring.

Among the artefacts repatriated is a sandstone sculpture of a celestial dancer, which was illicitly transported from central India to London before ending up at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. Many of the returned items had been displayed in prominent museums and galleries.

At a formal handover ceremony held at the Indian Consulate in New York, officials from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to curbing antiquities trafficking. Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent William S. Walker described the repatriation as a victory against one of history’s most prolific offenders.

Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Considered Targeting Aftab Poonawala: Report

This transfer follows the signing of a landmark "Cultural Property Agreement" between India and the US in July, aimed at preventing the illegal movement of heritage items. India has seen the return of 578 artefacts from the US since 2016, marking the highest number of restitutions by any nation.

The effort underscores the growing international resolve to address the illegal antiquities trade and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.