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The diplomatic gifts from PM Modi shine a light on India’s regional arts, GI-tagged foods, and handloom craftsmanship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed a tour across five nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. Throughout his travels, the Prime Minister shared a variety of traditional Indian artworks, textiles, food items, and handcrafted artifacts with international leaders and dignitaries. These gifts showcased India’s cultural richness, regional craftsmanship, and products recognized with geographical indications. Here’s a glimpse of the offerings made during this significant trip. (Image: Reuters)
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For UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, PM Modi presented a Rogan Painting featuring a “Tree of Life” design, along with Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapples. Rogan art, a unique textile painting style from Gujarat’s Kutch region, is celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors. The Tree of Life motif represents continuity, growth, and interconnection. The GI-tagged Kesar mango from Gujarat’s Junagadh region is beloved for its saffron-hued pulp and delightful aroma, while Meghalaya pineapples are noted for their sweetness and low acidity.
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The Prime Minister also gifted a beautifully crafted Koftgari dagger and Mithila makhana to the UAE Crown Prince. Koftgari is a traditional metal inlay art form from Rajasthan, wherein gold and silver wires are embedded into steel to create intricate designs. Mithila makhana, or fox nuts, hails from Bihar and is recognized with a GI tag for its nutritional value and traditional agricultural practices.
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Jaipur Blue Pottery and Meenakari-Kundan earrings were presented to Dutch royals. Jaipur Blue Pottery, which is GI-tagged, is renowned for its cobalt blue designs and a glass-like finish due to its unique raw materials. The earrings showcase the intricate craftsmanship of Meenakari enamel work combined with Kundan gemstone setting from Rajasthan.
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For the UAE Queen Mother, PM Modi gifted a Karimnagar Filigree box and Maheshwari silk fabric. The renowned Karimnagar metalwork from Telangana features delicate silver repoussé artistry. Maheshwari silk, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, is distinguished by its lightweight texture and historical association with Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
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A pressed orchid artwork was presented to Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, along with orchid paperweights. The artwork features real orchids and ferns sourced from Sikkim and emphasizes the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas, highlighting themes of sustainability and nature preservation.
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A selection of India’s finest rice varieties was gifted to FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu. The collection included Red Rice from Kerala, Gobindobhog Rice from West Bengal, Basmati Rice from the Indo-Gangetic plains, Joha Rice from Assam, and Kalanamak Rice from Uttar Pradesh. Each grain type reflects unique agricultural practices and regional culinary heritage.
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For Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, PM Modi presented a Muga Silk stole. Known as “Golden Silk” from Assam, Muga silk is renowned for its natural golden hue, remarkable durability, and luxurious feel, making it one of the strongest natural fibers globally.
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The Bidri Silver Work Vase was gifted to Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. This traditional metalcraft from the Deccan area is known for its intricate silver inlay on dark metal surfaces.
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PM Modi also shared healthy millet bars with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, emphasizing Maharashtra’s millet-growing regions. These bars represent India’s commitment to promoting climate-resilient, nutritious grains like jowar and bajra.
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A replica of the ice axe used by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay was gifted to Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir. This symbolic gesture commemorates the landmark 1953 Everest expedition led by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
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A Gond painting and the book “Convenient Action: Continuity for Change” were presented to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden. Gond art, a traditional tribal style from Madhya Pradesh, is noted for its vivid patterns, nature-inspired motifs, and detailed linework. The book comprises PM Modi’s speeches and insights on governance, development, and policy reform.
