Australia to repatriate antiquities of cultural significance to India, PM Modi expresses thanks to PM Albanese
Melbourne: Australia is set to repatriate several antiquities of cultural significance to India, highlighting the growing cooperation between the two countries in protecting and preserving cultural heritage. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese for the return of Indian cultural artefacts held in Australian collecting institutions.
“Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Albanese for the repatriation to India of cultural artifacts,” Misri said during a media briefing. According to the Ministry of Culture, the artefacts include a ceremonial bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi, and a basalt sculpture depicting the six-headed Karttikeya. The items date back to the 11th and 12th centuries and were originally sourced from historic temples in Tamil Nadu.
The India-Australia Joint Summit statement also welcomed progress on the voluntary and unconditional repatriation of First Nations ancestral remains held in India, along with the return of Telugu remains currently housed in Australia.
Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Australia’s decision to voluntarily return several cultural artefacts to India, describing it as a reflection of the strengthening ties between the two countries.
Earlier on Thursday, PM Modi attended a community reception in Melbourne, where he praised the contributions of the Indian diaspora and highlighted their role in strengthening India-Australia relations. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Modi and Albanese recognised the important role played by the Indian diaspora and students in deepening bilateral ties.
“The warmth, energy and affection of the community underscored the enduring bonds that connect the two countries. PM Modi underscored the Indian community’s contributions to Australia’s growth through merit, multiculturalism and mateship. He further highlighted the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the transformative growth India is witnessing,” Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian community to Australia’s development, saying, “Our Indian community has contributed so much to the story of modern Australia. And it’s made our Melbournecountry a better place.”
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Australia has resulted in 18 major outcomes covering defence, maritime security, energy, critical technologies, education, mining, research and cultural cooperation, further expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
