Sydney (CNN) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the return by Australia of two ancient Hindu art treasures that were allegedly stolen from temples in Tamil Nadu. During a meeting with Modi in New Delhi on Friday Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott handed over a 900-year bronze statue of Shiva Nataraja (dancing Shiva) and a stone statue of Ardhanariswara (Shiva in half-female form), also from circa 1100. "I would like to convey to Prime Minister Abbott the deep sense of gratitude of 1.25 billion people of India for the efforts he has made to bring with him two ancient statues that were stolen from India," Modi said.
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Australia returns lost art treasures to India, including Shiva Nataraja
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Australian galleries bought the artworks from a dealer who's awaiting trial
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Subhash Kapoor is facing trial on theft-related charges
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Modi conveys "deep sense of gratitude" from Indian people
Modi said @placeholder and the people of Australia "have shown enormous respect and regard not only for our ancient treasures, but also for our cultural heritage."
Modi said Abbott and the people of @placeholder "have shown enormous respect and regard not only for our ancient treasures, but also for our cultural heritage."