Canberra, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Gallery of Australia has formally handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, paving the way for their return to India as part of efforts to restore the country’s cultural heritage.
The artefacts include a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi and a basalt sculpture of six-headed Karthikeya. Their transfer fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the third Annual Leaders’ Summit in July 2026.
Announcing the development on X, the Indian High Commission said it had formally taken possession of the three artefacts following sustained efforts and would arrange their transfer to India.
The mission also thanked the National Gallery of Australia for its cooperation, adding that the objects would soon arrive in the country.
The handover follows an announcement by Albanese in July that Australia would voluntarily return several culturally significant Indian objects held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The announcement came during a joint press conference with Modi in Melbourne after delegation-level discussions between the two leaders.
Albanese had also welcomed India’s decision to repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held at the Government Museum in Chennai. He said the remains would be returned voluntarily and unconditionally to their traditional custodians.
Describing the reciprocal repatriation efforts as a reflection of mutual respect, Albanese said the return of the First Nations ancestor would support healing, justice and reconciliation.
He also highlighted the historical ties and growing people-to-people connections between India and Australia.
The return of the three Indian artefacts marks another step in bilateral cooperation on cultural heritage and the restoration of historically significant objects to their countries of origin.
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