Context:

• India and the US are about to sign the Cultural Property Agreement (CPA) agreement that will simplify the process for returning stolen antiquities.

More about the news:

• Over the past few years, India has placed a greater emphasis on the repatriation of its cultural heritage.
• According to official data, over 400 antiques have been returned to India since 2014.

What is the Cultural Property Agreement?

• Repatriation for objects: Once the CPA is completed, the US will automatically offer the object for repatriation, negating the need for India to provide proof that it is its own.
• Import Restrictions:  It imposes import restrictions that stop looted and stolen cultural property from entering the US while encouraging the legal sharing of such objects for scientific, cultural, and educational purposes. 
• Preventing trafficking of art objects: Under the agreement,  the US will intercept smuggled goods at the border and return them expeditiously.

Current procedure of repatriation: 

• Confirmation by paperwork: The provenance of an object of Indian origin must be confirmed through paperwork like FIRs and photographic evidence once it is discovered in a foreign nation. 
  • Provenance includes the list of all owners from the time the object left its maker’s possession to the time it was acquired by the current owner.
• Approval by ASI: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is in charge of protecting all historic antiquities in the host country, must provide its approval before the artifacts can be brought home.

About the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI):

• ASI under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. 
• Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. 
• It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. 
• It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972. 

News Source: Indian Express

For more information, refer to Antiquities and Art Treasure Act