Why PM Narendra Modi is saying thanks to US President Barack Obama

Washgington:  In a big achievement for India, from a bronze Ganesh to a Jain figure of Bahubali, the US has returned more than 200 pieces of rare cultural artefacts to India during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had attended a function in Washington during which Indian idols lying in the US have been returned to India.

PM Modi thanked US President Barack Obama for returning the Indian idols. 

"I am grateful to President Obama for returning to us these treasures which join us to our past," the prime minister said. 

"For some, these artefacts may be measured in monetary terms but for us this is beyond that. It's a part of our culture and heritage," Modi said.

A focus on heritage & culture...I thank the US government for the return of precious cultural artefacts to India. pic.twitter.com/9mxjtEU527

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016

Here are pictures of some of the artefacts. pic.twitter.com/Q4PWMOee2X

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016

"Restoring India's cultural heritage: PM @narendramodi attends ceremony for return of idols with US Attorney General," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted on Tuesday, as Modi attended the event. 

"Today, we begin the process of returning more than 200 stolen cultural objects back to India," US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said, according to a tweet by Swarup.

US Attorney General :Today we begin the process of returning more than 200 stolen cultural objects back to India pic.twitter.com/i9rqjZGlAS

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) June 6, 2016