Canberra, Nov 11 — The National Gallery of Australia has handed over three ancient Indian artefacts to the Indian High Commission in Canberra, fulfilling a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese during the 3rd Annual Leaders' Summit in July 2026, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via IANS Live

The artefacts are a bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite idol of Nandi and a basalt sculpture of the six-headed Karthikeya, the wire report said, describing the transfer as a major boost to India's efforts to restore its cultural heritage.

The mission's statement

'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,' the Indian mission posted on X, as quoted by IANS. 'The valuable artefacts will soon be arriving in India, bringing our treasured heritage home.'

Source: High Commission of India, Australia (via IANS)

Background: announced in July, handed over now

Australia's decision to return the three antiquities was first announced in July 2026, during the leaders' summit, when Albanese said items of cultural significance to India held in Australian collections would be voluntarily returned. Reporting at the time dated the pieces to the 11th and 12th centuries and traced them to temples in Tamil Nadu — the Nandi and the Bhadrakali trident to the Sri Kasiviswanathaswamy Temple at Kollumangudi, in the Thanjavur–Thiruvarur region.

Source: IANS (July 2026 announcement coverage)

Wednesday's handover is the physical completion of that July commitment: the High Commission has formally taken possession of the three pieces from the National Gallery of Australia and is transferring them to India, where they are expected to arrive soon.