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US-India Cultural Property Agreement: Preserving Heritage

The first-ever Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) between the U.S. and India was signed on July 26, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The agreement aims to restore cultural items rightfully belonging to India,

Agreement Signing and Significance

  • First-ever Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) between the U.S. and India
  • Signed on July 26, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
  • Signatories: U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti and Indian Culture Secretary Govind Mohan
  • Witnessed by Indian Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
  • Culmination of nearly two years of expert negotiations
  • Fulfills commitment made by President Biden and Prime Minister Modi in June 2023
  • India joins 29 other U.S. bilateral cultural property agreement partners
  • Aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on cultural property protection

Objectives and Scope of the Agreement

Primary goals:

a) Justice: Returning cultural items rightfully belonging to India

b) Cultural exchange: Promoting global understanding of Indian culture

  • Combats illicit trafficking of Indian antiquities to the USA
  • Restricts importation of specific archaeological and ethnological materials to the USA
  • Covers items from 1.7 million years ago to 1947 CE
  • Facilitates repatriation of seized materials to India
  • Simplifies the process of returning looted and stolen antiquities
  • Enhances cooperation in protecting cultural heritage

Context and Impact

Historical Context:

  • India has repatriated 358 antiquities since 1976, with 345 returned since 2014
  • Aligns with India's G20 presidency focus on 'Protection and Promotion of Cultural Property'
  • Part of India's broader cultural diplomacy strategy

International Impact:

  • Demonstrates U.S. commitment to worldwide cultural heritage protection
  • Enhances bilateral cooperation for swift recovery of Indian artifacts from the USA
  • Supports global efforts to combat illegal trade in cultural property

Exhibition and Public Engagement:

  • "Re(ad)dress: Return of Treasures" exhibition at Bharat Mandapam
  • Showcases 25 repatriated Indian objects
  • Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay
  • Addresses global repatriation issues and impacts of illicit trafficking
  • Open to the public during the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting

Ambassador Garcetti's Statement:

  • Emphasized the agreement's importance for justice and cultural understanding
  • Highlighted the significance of connecting India with the world through its culture
  • Congratulated India on hosting UNESCO's 46th World Heritage Committee session

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