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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