India and U.S. Sign Cultural Property Agreement to Protect Heritage

India and the U.S. recently signed a cultural property agreement that aims to enhance cooperation in protecting the cultural heritage of both countries. This agreement is a significant step towards preventing the illegal trade of cultural property and simplifying the process of returning looted and stolen antiquities to their country of origin.

The U.S.-India Cultural Property Agreement was signed by U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Union Culture Secretary Govind Mohan, with Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat also present at the signing. This agreement is the result of nearly two years of diligent work by experts from both countries and reflects the commitment of President Biden and Prime Minister Modi to enhance cooperation in protecting cultural heritage.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy highlighted the importance of this agreement in protecting and preserving cultural heritage worldwide and restricting the trafficking of cultural property. Ambassador Garcetti emphasized that the agreement is about justice and returning what rightfully belongs to India, as well as connecting India with the world by sharing its rich cultural heritage with a global audience.

With this agreement, India becomes the newest partner in the existing network of 29 bilateral cultural property agreements with the U.S. The negotiation of the U.S.-India Cultural Property Agreement was done under U.S. law implementing the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

This agreement not only signifies a commitment to protecting cultural heritage but also strengthens the ties between India and the U.S. in the realm of cultural exchange. It is a step towards ensuring that cultural treasures are preserved and shared for generations to come.