The 297 Antiquities US Handed Over To India During PM Modi's Visit

The US has handed over to India 297 antiquities during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

These antiquities were smuggled out of the country and were recovered.

Trafficking of cultural property is a longstanding issue that has affected many cultures and countries throughout history, and India has been particularly hit

PM Modi post a note on X "Deepening cultural connect and strengthening the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties. I am extremely grateful to President Biden and the US Government for ensuring the return of 297 invaluable antiquities to India".

He thanked President Joe Biden for his support in the return of these artefacts.

With this, the total number of ancient items recovered by India since 2014 has gone to 640, officials said.

 The number returned from the US alone will be 578. 

Some of the notable antiquities handed over to India include an 'apsara' in sandstone from central India belonging to 10-11th century CE, a Jain Tirthankar in bronze belonging to 15-16th century CE, terracotta vase from eastern India belonging to 3-4th century CE, and a stone sculpture from South India belonging to 1st century BCE-1st century CE.