Three centuries-old sculptures linked to Tamil Nadu temples formally transferred to Indian High Commission in Canberra following Modi-Albanese agreement
Australia has formally handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the High Commission of India in Canberra, paving the way for their return to India as part of a bilateral commitment to restore culturally significant objects to their countries of origin.
The National Gallery of Australia transferred the artefacts on November 11, fulfilling an understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese during the third India-Australia Annual Leaders’ Summit in Melbourne in July 2026.
-
The objects include a bronze trident associated with Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull associated with Lord Shiva, and a basalt sculpture depicting the six-headed deity Karthikeya, also known as Skanda
All three artefacts are of Tamil Nadu origin and are associated with ancient temples in the state. The Indian High Commission, led by High Commissioner Nagesh Singh, confirmed that it had formally taken possession of the objects and that arrangements were being made to transport them to India.
The return follows an announcement by Albanese during his July meeting with Modi that Australia would voluntarily repatriate several culturally significant objects held in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The joint statement issued after the summit also welcomed the voluntary return of the artefacts, describing the initiative as part of growing cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement includes a reciprocal arrangement under which India will return the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor held at the Government Museum in Chennai to their traditional custodians.
Albanese had described the repatriation of ancestral remains as an important step towards healing, justice and reconciliation.
The latest handover marks progress in India’s efforts to recover its cultural heritage and reflects growing cooperation between India and Australia on the protection and restoration of historically significant objects.
The three artefacts are expected to arrive in India in the coming period.
