US returns stolen artefacts to India
The US returned over 200 stolen artefacts ( some 2,000 years old) estimated at $ 100 million, with PM Modi describing cultural heritage as a binding force in bilateral ties.
The US on Tuesday returned to India over 200 stolen cultural artefacts, some dating back 2,000 years, estimated at $ 100 million, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing the cultural heritage as a great binding force in bilateral relationships.
“Usually relationship between the countries of the world are very often covered by the present. It is present that plays a big role, but sometimes heritage becomes important in the relations of two countries. Sometimes what cannot be done by living persons is done by idols,” the Prime Minister said at a ceremony held at the Blair House for the return of stolen artefacts to India.
Speaking in Hindi, the Prime Minister said that in the last two years various countries have endeavoured to return India’s stolen cultural heritage.
“Both governments and law enforcement agencies of these countries now have become more alert on trafficking of cultural artefacts and are not only working to prevent it but also to send it back to the place of its origin,” the Prime Minister said. “I am grateful to the United States and President ( Barack) Obama for returning these treasures to India which join us to our past,” he said.
“For some, these artefacts may be measured in monetary terms and could be in millions for them, but for the people of India, it is a part of our culture and heritage that joins us to our past, that joins us to our values,” the Prime Minister said in his brief remarks.
Mr Modi said many tourists don’t want to see only modern sites, but also they want to see the rich history a place offers.
People are attracted to India for its ancient civilisation, he said. Referring to the Indus Valley civilisation, he said tourists are now flocking to India to see towns dating back 5,000 years.