Historic Cultural Property Agreement Between India and the USA

On July 26, 2024, India and the United States signed their first-ever Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The agreement aims to combat the illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the USA and aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention, to which both nations are signatories. This agreement signifies a major step in protecting India’s cultural heritage.

Signatories and Highlights

The agreement was signed by Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, and H.E. Eric Garcetti, Ambassador of the USA to India, with Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, present. Shri Shekhawat emphasized the CPA as a significant move toward safeguarding India’s cultural artifacts and reiterated the government’s commitment to cultural heritage preservation, as reflected in India’s foreign policy and G20 initiatives.

Historical Context and Repatriation Efforts

India has repatriated 358 antiquities since 1976, with 345 returned since 2014. The G20’s focus under India’s presidency included the ‘Protection and Promotion of Cultural Property,’ which aligns with the CPA’s objectives. The CPA follows extensive bilateral negotiations and aligns with India’s broader cultural diplomacy strategy.

Agreement Details

The CPA restricts the importation into the USA of specific archaeological and ethnological materials spanning various periods. It includes items ranging from 1.7 million years ago to 1947 CE. The agreement also facilitates the repatriation of these materials to India if they are seized in the USA.

International and Bilateral Impact

The USA has similar agreements with multiple countries, enhancing its commitment to cultural property protection. The agreement signifies enhanced cooperation and swift action in recovering Indian artifacts from the USA.

Exhibition and Public Engagement

The exhibition “Re(ad)address: Return of Treasures,” part of the 46th World Heritage Committee, showcases 25 repatriated Indian objects. This exhibition, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ms. Audrey Azoulay on July 21, 2024, addresses the global issue of repatriation and the impact of illicit trafficking. The exhibition is open to the public at Bharat Mandapam.