Australia Returns Ancient Artifacts to India in Cultural Exchange

Canberra, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : The National Gallery of Australia has officially returned three ancient Indian artifacts to the Indian High Commission in Canberra. This transfer was part of a commitment made during the third annual Leaders Summit in July 2026, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The artifacts include a bronze trident of the goddess Bhadrakali, a granite statue of Nandi, and a basalt statue of the six-headed Kartikeya. This gesture is a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its cultural heritage.

In a statement, the Indian mission highlighted the agreement reached between Prime Minister Modi and Albanese regarding the return of these artifacts. The statement noted, “The Indian High Commission has formally received three invaluable artifacts from the National Gallery of Australia, which will soon be sent back to India.”

The mission expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the National Gallery of Australia in this transfer process. “These priceless artifacts will soon arrive in India, allowing our treasured heritage to return home,” it added.

Earlier in July, Prime Minister Albanese announced that items of cultural significance to India, currently held in various Australian museums, would be returned. He also praised the progress made in returning the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor from the Government Museum in Chennai.

During a joint press conference following delegation-level talks in Melbourne, Albanese welcomed the decision to return the remains voluntarily to their traditional custodians. He stated, “In the spirit of friendship, Australia will return several culturally significant items to India, which were previously held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.”

Albanese commended Prime Minister Modi’s decision to return the remains of the Australian First Nations ancestor, emphasizing that this initiative would help heal mutual wounds and pave the way for justice and reconciliation. He noted that it also highlights the deep historical ties and growing connections between the people of Australia and India.