Australia’s National Gallery has formally handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the High Commission of India in Canberra, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their July 2026 summit in Melbourne.
The three artefacts, which are now being transferred to India, include a bronze trident associated with Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed deity Karthikeya.
The handover took place on 11 November 2026, with India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, joining the exchange.
The High Commission of India confirmed in a statement that it had formally taken possession of the objects and acknowledged the National Gallery of Australia’s cooperation in facilitating their return.
“Following through on the high-level commitment made by our Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders’ Summit in July 2026, through its sustained efforts, the High Commission of India in Australia has formally taken over and is transferring the three precious Indian artefacts to India.”
It added that the artefacts would soon arrive in India, describing the transfer as bringing treasured heritage home.
The three objects have historical and religious significance and are associated with temples in Tamil Nadu.
The bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali and the granite Nandi idol are associated with the Shri Kashi Vishwanatha Swami Temple in Kulum Manguri, Tamil Nadu. Both date from the Chola to Vijayanagara period, between the 13th and 16th centuries.
The third object is a basalt sculpture depicting the six-headed Karthikeya, also known as Skanda. Dating from the early 11th century, the Chola-period sculpture is associated with the Naganatha Swami Temple in Manambari, in the Thanjavur district.
The return follows an announcement made by Mr Albanese during the third Australia-India Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne on 9 July 2026.
Following discussions with Mr Modi, the Australian Prime Minister announced that Australia would voluntarily return several culturally significant objects held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The announcement formed part of a wider commitment to cultural cooperation and the protection of heritage between the two countries.
At the same summit, Mr Albanese welcomed India’s decision to voluntarily and unconditionally repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held at the Government Museum in Chennai.
“The ancestor will be voluntarily and unconditionally repatriated by India to their Traditional Custodians.”
He described the return of First Nations ancestors as an important step towards healing, justice and reconciliation.
The reciprocal commitments were also recognised in the joint statement issued after the summit, which highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation and the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
The return of the three Indian artefacts marks another step in Australia and India’s efforts to strengthen cultural ties through the restoration of significant heritage objects to their communities of origin.
The National Gallery of Australia says it has voluntarily repatriated more than 270 works of art from its collection since 2014, with 35 to India, as part of its commitment to ethical collecting and responsible collection management.
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