Australia and India are deepening cultural cooperation, with both countries announcing the return of culturally significant items as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people links.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has welcomed India’s decision to voluntarily and unconditionally repatriate an Australian First Nations ancestor held at the Government Museum in Chennai to their Traditional Custodians.
The Australian Government said the repatriation reflects the growing cultural relationship and mutual respect between Australia and India, while supporting the priorities of First Nations communities for the return of ancestors to Country.
“The repatriation of First Nations ancestors promotes healing, justice and reconciliation,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“I commend Prime Minister Modi for the decision to repatriate Australian First Nations ancestors to their Traditional Custodians.”
The announcement was made during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia, with both nations highlighting cultural cooperation as a key part of the bilateral relationship.
Australia also announced the voluntary return of several items of cultural significance to India that had previously been held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of NSW.
Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said the repatriation of ancestors and the return of cultural items demonstrated shared values between the two countries.
“The repatriation of ancestors and the voluntary return of items of cultural significance are both examples of the values shared between Australia and India.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy welcomed India’s support, describing the return of First Nations ancestors from overseas collections as an important step towards truth-telling and reconciliation.
“Every repatriation of ancestors from overseas is an act of truth-telling and righting wrongs of the past.”
The Australian Government said the voluntary returns also reaffirmed its commitment to ethical collection practices and responsible management of cultural heritage.
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