Australia has announced the voluntary return of three ancient cultural artefacts of Tamil Nadu origin to India, marking another milestone in the growing cultural partnership between the two countries. The announcement was made during the third India-Australia Annual Summit held in Melbourne, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the decision as a symbol of mutual respect and cooperation. The move comes as Prime Minister Modi continues his three-nation diplomatic tour aimed at strengthening trade, defence, and strategic relations with key international partners.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the artefacts being repatriated include an 11th–12th century stone sculpture of Nandi, the sacred bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva, an 11th-century metal trident featuring the image of Goddess Bhadrakali, and a 12th-century six-headed stone statue of Lord Karthikeya. These priceless artefacts, previously housed in Australian institutions including the National Gallery of Australia and the Art Gallery of New South Wales, will be transported back to India in due course. Australian authorities said the return reflects the country’s commitment to ethical collection management and the preservation of global cultural heritage.

The summit also highlighted reciprocal efforts in preserving cultural heritage, with Australia welcoming India’s decision to repatriate the remains of an Australian First Nations ancestor currently held at the Government Museum in Chennai. Prime Minister Albanese described the gesture as an important step toward healing, justice, and reconciliation for Indigenous communities. Both leaders noted that expanding cultural exchanges and the return of historically significant artefacts further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia, reinforcing mutual trust and people-to-people connections.