Australia Returns Three Ancient Indian Artefacts: What Are The Objects Coming Home?

The National Gallery of Australia has handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, marking a significant step towards restoring India’s cultural heritage.

The transfer fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders’ Summit in July 2026.

The artefacts include a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi and a basalt sculpture of six-headed Karthikeya. The Indian mission confirmed the handover in a post on X.

The High Commission said it had formally taken possession of the three artefacts following sustained efforts. It thanked the National Gallery of Australia for its cooperation and said the objects would soon arrive in India.

A significant moment for India’s priceless cultural heritage! 🇮🇳 🇦🇺

Following through on the high-level commitment made by our Prime Ministers Narendra Modi @narendramodi and Anthony Albanese @AlboMP during the 3rd Annual Leaders’ Summit in July 2026, through its sustained efforts, the High Commission of India in Australia has formally taken over and is transferring the three precious Indian artefacts to India – a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya, from the National Gallery of Australia.

We appreciate the cooperation extended by @NAatGalleryAus in effecting this transfer. The valuable artefacts will soon be arriving in India, bringing our treasured heritage home!

@PMOIndia @MinOfCultureGoI @MEAIndia @ASIGoI

— India in Australia (@HCICanberra) November 11, 2026

During their July summit in Melbourne, Albanese announced that Australia would return several culturally significant Indian artefacts held by its museums. These included objects from the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Albanese announced this during a joint press conference with PM Modi after delegation-level talks. He further welcomed India’s decision to repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held at the Government Museum in Chennai.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said India would return the remains voluntarily and unconditionally to their traditional custodians.

Albanese described the decision as an important step towards healing, justice and reconciliation. He said the initiative reflected the strong cultural relationship, mutual respect and growing people-to-people ties between India and Australia.

The latest handover further strengthens bilateral cooperation on protecting and restoring cultural heritage.

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