US to return over 100 stolen antiquities back to India: PM Modi
Washington DC (US), June 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed happiness over the American government's decision to return more than 100 stolen antiquities back to India as he addressed a cheerful Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Center.
On the final day of his first US State visit, PM Modi met with the Indian diaspora at the Ronald Reagan Centre on Friday.
"I am happy that the American government has decided to return more than 100 antiquities of India that were stolen from us. These antiquities had reached the international markets. I express my gratitude to the American government for this," the PM stated.
"These antiquities of Indian origin had reached the international market through right or wrong paths," the Prime Minister stated, "but America's decision to return them to India shows the emotional bond between the two nations."
The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is bringing back antiquities and artefacts from around the world in an effort to rejuvenate India's cultural and spiritual heritage.
"Over centuries, innumerable priceless artefacts, some with deep cultural and religious significance, had been stolen and smuggled abroad. The government adopted a proactive approach to 'bringing back Indian artefacts and cultural heritage," a government release stated.
Prime Minister discussed the matter with global leaders and multilateral institutions during his foreign visits and a total of 251 antiquities have been brought back to India. Of these, 238 were brought back since 2014.
In 2022, US officials also returned to India 307 antiquities valued at nearly 4 million USD that were stolen by multiple smaller trafficking networks to India.
According to a statement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L Bragg Jr had announced in October 2022 that they are returning 307 antiquities valued at nearly USD 4 million to the people of India and the majority of them were seized from disgraced art dealer Subhash Kapoor.
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- ANI
