India and the United States of America today signed a Cultural Property Agreement to repatriate stolen Indian artifacts from the USA. Under the agreement, both countries will work together to also prevent and prohibit illicit trade, import, export and trafficking of archaeological and ethnological materials. This is India’s first-ever Cultural Property Agreement with the US.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat termed the signing as historic and said that it will strengthen the partnership between the two nations, fostering inter-cultural growth. The Minister mentioned that the agreement comes at the back of a year-long dialogue and discussion with the USA since last year’s G-20 Summit in India. He highlighted that the repatriation of illegally acquired artifacts gives communities the right to reclaim and safeguard their heritage, reaffirming their autonomy.

Meanwhile, the US’s ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti said that this is an important step to give India its due share with India now becoming the US’s 30th bilateral Cultural Property Agreement partner.  Mr Garcetti also re-iterated the US’s commitment to strengthen its partnership with India, especially through cultural diplomacy.