India, May 17 -- In a significant act of cultural restitution, the Netherlands formally returned a set of 11th-century Chola-era copper plates to India on Saturday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the EU nation.

The return of the artefacts, known internationally as the Leiden Plates, marks the culmination of more than a decade of diplomatic efforts by India and adds a historic cultural dimension to the growing partnership between the two countries.

Modi announced the development in a post on X, describing the return of the Chola copper plates as "a joyous moment for every Indian".

The ceremony took place in the presence of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.

India had formally sought the return of the artefacts in ...