PMINDIA
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, arrived in Washington DC on Monday afternoon. He laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, at the Arlington Cemetery.
He also laid a wreath at the Space Shuttle Columbia Memorial. Mr. Jean Pierre Harrison, husband of Astronaut Kalpana Chawla – who perished in the Columbia tragedy – was present. Astronaut Sunita Williams was also among those who were present on the occasion.
The Prime Minister attended a ceremony for the return of idols to India. The US Attorney General Loretta Lynch said that the process had begun for returning as many as 200 artefacts to India, with 12 having been returned so far. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that heritage can be a great binding force between nations. He said that for some, the value of these artefacts may be measured in monetary terms, but for us in India, their value is beyond that, because they are part of our culture and heritage.
The Prime Minister had an interaction with thinktanks which included the Brookings Institution, the Atlantic Council, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, among others.
Afternoon touchdown at the Andrews Air Force Base...PM @narendramodi lands in USA. A wide range of programmes await. pic.twitter.com/zl0SjTemFM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
Happening now: PM @narendramodi at Arlington Cemetery. Secretary of Defence Carter receives him. pic.twitter.com/vJate344vV
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
In memory of the crew of Space Shuttle Columbia. pic.twitter.com/D3lO9fO7Pw
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
When it comes to bilateral ties, it is the present that usually counts but heritage can be a great binding force too: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
Have observed that many nations have returned cultural artefacts, when it came to their notice that such treasures are in their nation: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
For some, these artefacts may be measured in monetary terms but for us this is beyond that. It's a part of our culture & heritage: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
Many tourists don't want to see only modern sites. They want to see the rich history a place offers & the historical culture: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
Both, governments and laws have become more alert on trafficking of cultural artefacts & are working to prevent it: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
After history & culture, it's current & strategic affairs. Think tanks meet PM, share perspective on various issues. pic.twitter.com/WHSckWXOuf
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 6, 2016
Glimpses from the various programmes and interactions in Washington DC today. pic.twitter.com/oxWSymCY00
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016
Saluting ultimate courage...offered tributes at the @ArlingtonNatl. pic.twitter.com/WBqpPKzwJE
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016
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
Also had a wonderful interaction with leading think tanks. pic.twitter.com/zoT1VPslml
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 7, 2016
