588 Smuggled Indian Antiquities Recovered from the US; 297 Repatriated in 2024

New Delhi: India has successfully recovered 588 antiquities smuggled out of the country, with 297 repatriated in 2024 alone, the Central government informed Parliament.

Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared the information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the ongoing efforts under the US-India Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) to prevent illicit trade of Indian antiquities.

“The CPA is preventive in nature and does not have specific timelines or target numbers. It aims to foster cooperation in technical assistance, combat illicit trade, and safeguard cultural property,” Shekhawat stated.

India also collaborates with international bodies like UNESCO and INTERPOL to recover stolen artefacts.

On a separate note, the minister addressed inquiries about the resurgence of ancient sects during events like the Kumbh Mela, attributing the revival to growing interest in India’s spiritual heritage and the influence of social media and religious tourism. He emphasized that this resurgence strengthens cultural pride and preserves traditional practices.