The United States has returned over 1,400 looted artifacts valued at $10 million to India, a major stride in combating cultural heritage trafficking.

The artifacts were recovered through investigations into criminal trafficking networks, including those associated with alleged antiquities trafficker Subhash Kapoor and convicted dealer Nancy Wiener, according to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

The handover ceremony featured officials from both nations, including representatives from the Indian Consulate General in New York and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cultural Property, Art, and Antiquities Group.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg reaffirmed the commitment to fighting antiquities trafficking, stating, "We will continue to pursue investigations into the trafficking networks that target India's rich cultural heritage."

William S. Walker, HSI New York Special Agent in Charge, described the repatriation as a triumph of a multi-year international investigation. He emphasized HSI’s resolve to dismantle smuggling operations and hold those profiting from looted artifacts accountable.

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The returned antiquities span nearly 4,000 years, from 2000 BCE to 1900 CE, and hail from various regions of India. They include terracotta artifacts from Eastern India as well as pieces crafted from stone, metal, wood, and ivory.

This is not the first instance of such repatriation. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the U.S. in September, 297 antiquities were returned, some of which were featured in a symbolic ceremony with President Joe Biden.

PM Modi expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its continued support, emphasizing that these artifacts embody India’s rich cultural heritage and historical consciousness. In recent years, the U.S. has returned hundreds of stolen artifacts to India, including 157 in September 2021 and 105 in June 2023.

These joint efforts between U.S. and Indian authorities highlight the shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage and ensuring accountability for antiquities trafficking.