Official announcement from the Indian Ministry of Culture or US State Department

India and USA Sign First-Ever Historic Cultural Property Agreement for Restitution

Jul 26, 2024, 09:16 AM

India and the USA have signed a first-ever bilateral agreement for the restitution and protection of cultural properties, aiming to prevent the illicit trafficking of stolen Indian antiquities. The agreement, known as the Cultural Property Agreement, was signed by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and the US Ambassador to India. This historic event took place on the sidelines of the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee. The agreement is expected to facilitate the repatriation of Indian cultural properties, marking a significant step in preserving India's cultural heritage. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described it as a 'big day' for India and the US.