It was signed on the sidelines of the 46th World Heritage Committee, New Delhi.
About the Agreement
- Aim: to prevent and curb the illicit trafficking of antiquities from India to the USA.
- CPA restricts the importation into the United States of certain archaeological material and ethnological material of Indian origin.
- It shall be helpful in quick seizure of Indian antiquities at US Customs and their repatriation back to India.
- Significance: cultural diplomacy, promotes tourism, education enrichment, etc.
Efforts to prevent smuggling of antiquities
At Global level
- Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
- The Kashi Culture Pathway, the Outcome Document of the G20 Culture Working Group endorsed an effective global coalition to bolster the fight against illicit trafficking.
At National level
- Section 3 of the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972 prevents export of antiquities outside India.
- If an antiquity is traced, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for coordination with the other country and recovery of antiquities.
- ASI has retrieved 357 antiquities from foreign countries from the year 1976.