Morrison to return artefacts on India trip

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will return three culturally significant artefacts during his visit to India in January.

The artefacts, held by the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, were bought in good faith.

But research by the gallery led to its decision to voluntarily return the artefacts to India.

The artefacts being returned are a pair of 15th century door guardians (dvarapala) and a 6th to 8th century serpent king (Nagaraja).

"Like India, we understand the value of our ancient cultures and artefacts," Mr Morrison said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The return of these artefacts is the right thing to do. This is another demonstration of deep relationship between Australia and India."

A criminal court case is under way in India and the United States against former New York art dealer Subhash Kapoor, from whom the artefacts were purchased.

The Australian government does not have any role in the proceedings.

Mr Morrison will meet with Indian leader Narendra Modi and deliver the inaugural address at the Raisina Dialogue.

He'll be accompanied by a business delegation led by Ashok Jacob, chair of the Australia-India Council board.