Cultural Property Agreement

The Cultural Property Agreement was signed on 26th July 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi between India and the United States of America.

About the agreement

1. This agreement is signed between India and U.S.A.

2. The objective of the agreement is to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities between India and the USA.

2. The agreement aligns with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.

3. The agreement restricts the importation into the USA of certain archaeological and ethnological materials.

4. The Designated List includes items ranging from 1.7 million years ago to 1947 CE. The USA will return any forfeited objects on the Designated List to India.

5. Significance: The agreement is seen as a significant step towards preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and historical artifacts. Preservation and protection of cultural heritage have become integral to India’s foreign policy, particularly under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership.

6. G20 Presidency and Global Cooperation: Under India’s G20 Presidency, the protection and promotion of cultural property emerged as a main priority. The Kashi Culture Pathway, endorsed by the G20 Culture Working Group emphasizes strengthened global efforts to fight the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

7. Benefits:

The agreement enhances cultural diplomacy and sustainable development. Repatriation of artifacts promotes tourism, stimulates local economies, and fosters cultural stewardship. Leveraging cultural assets for educational enrichment, social cohesion, and economic empowerment promotes inclusive development.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture, International agreement