Fri Mar 21 09:14:17 UTC 2025: ## India Repatriates 297 Stolen Antiquities from US in 2024
**New Delhi, India** – India has recovered a significant number of stolen antiquities from the United States, with 297 artifacts returned in 2024 alone, bringing the total to 588 since the initiation of repatriation efforts, the Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, announced in the Rajya Sabha.
The repatriation is a result of the US-India Cultural Property Agreement (CPA), designed to combat the illicit trade of Indian antiquities. While the CPA is preventative and lacks specific targets or timelines, it has proven effective in recovering stolen cultural heritage.
Shekhawat also confirmed ongoing collaboration with international organizations like UNESCO and Interpol to further strengthen India’s efforts in recovering looted artifacts. The CPA itself facilitates cooperation on technical assistance and combating the illegal trade of cultural property.
In other news, the minister addressed the resurgence of ancient sects in India, particularly noticeable during large-scale religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela. He attributed this phenomenon to growing interest in cultural and spiritual heritage, a search for deeper meaning in modern society, and the amplified reach of social media and religious tourism. This revival, Shekhawat stated, is vital for preserving traditional practices, promoting social cohesion, and reinforcing national pride in India’s rich cultural history.
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