Why Modi gifted Jhansi Rani's petition to Aussie PM?

Canberra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday gifted Australian lawyer John Lang's 1854 petition on behalf of RaniLakshmibai against the East India Company to his Australian counterpart Tony Abbott.

Modi gave the gift to Abbott just ahead of bilateral talks.

"PM gifts Australian PM a memorial of Australian John Lang on behalf of Rani of Jhansi against East India Company," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted.

"John Lang's Original petition of 1854 on behalf of Jhansi ki Rani against the East India Company," Akbaruddin said describing Modi's gift to Abbott.

Earlier, Modi was given a ceremonial guard of honour and a 19-gun salute at the forecourt of the Parliament. Prime Minister Abbott and several Indians were also present on the occasion.

Then he proceeded towards the Prime Minister's Office for bilateral talks.

Modi's gifts to Abbott brought Australian John Lang's contribution in Indian history to the fore.