Australia to Return Cultural Artifacts to India Amid Strengthening Ties

Cultural Repatriation Announced

Canberra, July 9: On Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese revealed plans to return culturally significant items to India that are currently housed in various museums across Australia. This announcement coincided with the progress made in the repatriation of an Australian First Nations ancestor from the Government Museum in Chennai.

During a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after their discussions in Melbourne, Albanese stated, "In a gesture of goodwill, Australia will return several culturally significant artifacts to India, which were previously part of the collections at the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales."

He praised Prime Minister Modi for his commitment to repatriating an Australian First Nations ancestor, emphasizing that this act would foster healing, justice, and reconciliation, while also highlighting the historical connections and growing people-to-people relationships between Australia and India.

"I am pleased to see progress in the repatriation of the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor from the Government Museum of Chennai. This ancestor will be returned unconditionally to their traditional custodians," Albanese added.

He noted that Australia is enhancing its cultural collaboration with India, further strengthening the already robust bilateral relationship and expanding connections between the two nations.

"Australia and India share a rich history, and we are forging strong links between our peoples. The repatriation of the First Nations ancestor is a step towards healing, justice, and reconciliation. I commend Prime Minister Modi for his decision to return the ancestor to their Traditional Custodians," Albanese remarked.

Expressing his appreciation to PM Modi and the Indian delegation for their cordial engagement, Albanese emphasized, "Though separated by an ocean, we are indeed the closest of friends. Today marks another year in our partnership, reminding us of the importance of our continued collaboration."

Australian Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, welcomed the decision, stating, "The return of ancestors and the voluntary repatriation of culturally significant items exemplify the shared values between Australia and India."