US returns 657 ancient artefacts worth $14 million to India, big step against international smuggling

Amid tensions with Iran, America has returned 657 ancient artefacts to India, whose total value is about 14 million dollars. Alvin Bragg, District Attorney of the American state of Manhattan, has announced the return of this artefact. This step taken by the American side is being considered a major achievement in the fight against international art trafficking. These artefacts returned to India were recovered during the investigation into the network of notorious dealer Subhash Kumar and convicted smuggler Nancy Weiner.

What were included in the artefacts returned by the Americans?

The main artefacts returned to India by the US include a 12th century bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, which is estimated to be worth $2 million. It was stolen from a museum in Raipur and smuggled to America by 1982. At the same time, another important artefact was looted from North India. This is a red sandstone Buddha statue worth seven million dollars. Apart from this, the dancing idol of Lord Ganesha which was stolen from Madhya Pradesh in the year 2000 is also included in this.

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Consul General of India praised US officials

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stressed that there is still more work to be done to return India’s cultural heritage. At the same time, Consul General of India in New York Binaya Pradhan has appreciated the cooperation of Manhattan District Attorney Office and American Homeland Security.

India had convicted Subhash Kapoor in 2022

Notorious dealer Subhash Kapoor was convicted in the year 2022, who is currently awaiting extradition. His smuggling network is linked to the illegal looting and sale of thousands of artefacts in South Asia. The Antiquities Trafficking Unit has so far recovered more than 6,200 cultural heritage sites, valued at $485 million, and most of which have been returned to 36 different countries.

What did Zohran Mamdani say about Kohinoor?

Amidst the return of hundreds of artefacts to India from the American side, Indian-origin New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has given a statement regarding the return of the Kohinoor diamond. He said he would encourage King Charles III of the United Kingdom to return the Kohinoor diamond.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday (April 29, 2026), Mamdani said, ‘If I get a chance to talk to the King separately, I will probably ask him to return the Kohinoor diamond.’

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