India has successfully repatriated 588 antiquities from the United States, with 297 of them being returned in 2024, the government informed Parliament on Thursday.
Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat provided this update in response to a written query in the Rajya Sabha.
The minister clarified that these repatriations were part of efforts under the US-India Cultural Property Agreement (CPA), which aims to prevent the illicit trade of Indian antiquities.
However, Shekhawat pointed out that the agreement is preventive and does not have specific timelines or target numbers for repatriation.
Shekhawat explained that the CPA has played a key role in recovering Indian cultural property while responding to a question about the return of looted or stolen artifacts.
“The USA has repatriated 588 antiquities so far, with 297 returned in 2024,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that the agreement focuses on prevention rather than specifying a fixed number or timeframe for returns.
India and the United States signed the Cultural Property Agreement to prevent the smuggling of Indian antiquities and stop the illegal trade or sale of cultural treasures abroad.
In a separate response, Shekhawat was asked if the government plans to collaborate with other nations and international organizations to strengthen its efforts in recovering stolen antiquities.
The minister assured that India actively collaborates with various global entities, including UNESCO and INTERPOL, depending on the need.
“The CPA provides provisions for fostering cooperation and mutual understanding in technical assistance, illicit trade, and the pillage of cultural property,” Shekhawat added.
This highlights India’s ongoing commitment to working with international partners to safeguard its cultural heritage.
In a different query, Shekhawat addressed questions about the ‘resurgence of ancient sects’, particularly during major events like the Kumbh Mela.
The minister explained that the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, plays a vital role in showcasing ancient spiritual practices.
The festival sees millions of devotees gather to bathe in sacred rivers, with many ancient sects and spiritual organizations participating.
Shekhawat attributed the resurgence of ancient sects to growing interest in cultural and spiritual heritage, particularly as people search for deeper meaning amid modern challenges in religion.
He also mentioned the influence of social media and religious tourism in spreading awareness about these sects.
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