Gandhi items owner to cancel auction

NEW YORK: The US owner of Mahatma Gandhi's iconic round glasses and other items said on Thursday he has agreed in principal to cancel a controversial auction and donate the belongings to India.

James Otis said he had agreed in talks at India's New York consulate to donate the glasses, sandals and other belongings in exchange for India boosting health spending for the poor and using the memorabilia in an international exhibition.

"The last I heard is the Indian government agreed to the terms I proposed," said Otis, a California-based peace activist. "They sent it to Delhi for approval."

There was no immediate confirmation of the deal or public response from the authorities in India.