New York, New York — Hundreds of antiquities valued at approximately $14 million have been returned to India by New York authorities, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the global trafficking of cultural artifacts.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the return of 657 items, many tied to investigations involving alleged art smuggler Subhash Kapoor. The artifacts, some dating back centuries, were recovered through multiple probes into international smuggling networks that targeted India’s cultural heritage.
Among the returned items are religious and historical works, including a bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara and sandstone sculptures of Buddha and Ganesha. Officials said several pieces had been looted decades ago and eventually surfaced in private collections in the United States.
Bragg said the scale of trafficking operations remains significant, noting that while the return marks progress, further efforts are needed to recover stolen artifacts. The repatriation ceremony took place at India’s consulate in New York.
Separately, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani drew attention to broader debates over historical ownership by suggesting Britain should return the Koh-i-noor diamond to India. The diamond, acquired by Britain in the 19th century, remains a contested symbol with multiple countries claiming ownership.
The return of these artifacts is expected to increase pressure on museums and collectors worldwide to review the origins of items in their collections and consider repatriation.
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