Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s rich cultural, artistic and agricultural heritage through an elaborate selection of gifts presented to world leaders during his recently concluded five-nation tour covering the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
The gifts ranged from Assam’s famed Muga silk and Manipur’s black rice to Odisha’s silver filigree art and Gujarat’s GI-tagged Kesar mangoes, reflecting India’s diverse traditions, craftsmanship and regional identities.
Assam silk, Manipur lily and Agra marble for Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received a Muga silk stole from Assam, often called the state’s “golden silk” because of its natural golden hue and durability. Officials said the gift symbolised the shared appreciation of luxury textiles and fine craftsmanship between India and Italy.
Meloni was also gifted a Shirui Lily silk stole inspired by the rare flower found only on Shirui Kashong peak in Manipur. The flower holds cultural significance for the Tangkhul Naga community and is associated with purity and grace.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella was presented with a marble inlay work box crafted in Agra using the traditional Pacchikari or Pietra Dura technique, believed to have originated in Florence before flourishing in India. The gift also included CDs of legendary Indian classical vocalists Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and M S Subbulakshmi.
Blue pottery, Madhubani art and Himalayan orchids
King Willem-Alexander was gifted Jaipur blue pottery, a GI-tagged art form known for its cobalt blue and white motifs. Officials said the gift drew parallels with the Netherlands’ famous Delft Blue pottery tradition.
Queen Máxima received Meenakari and Kundan earrings rooted in Rajasthan’s royal jewellery traditions, while Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten was gifted a Madhubani painting featuring a fish motif, symbolising prosperity and abundance.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received pressed orchid paintings and orchid paperweights created using real orchids and ferns from Sikkim’s Himalayan valleys.
King Harald V was gifted a silver sailboat crafted through Odisha’s traditional Tarakasi silver filigree work, while Queen Sonja of Norway received a palm leaf Pattachitra artwork from Odisha.
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Ladakhi stole, Everest tribute and GI-tagged produce
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received a Ladakhi pure wool stole, Loktak tea from Manipur and a handcrafted Santiniketan messenger bag.
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir was gifted a replica of the ice axe used by legendary Sherpa Tenzing Norgay during the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Edmund Hillary.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen received a Bidri silverwork vase from the Deccan region, while Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo was gifted a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting from Rajasthan’s Nathdwara tradition.
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was gifted a Rogan painting featuring the “Tree of Life”, along with Gujarat’s GI-tagged Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapples.
The UAE Crown Prince received a ceremonial dagger with intricate Koftgari work and Mithila makhana from Bihar, while the UAE Queen Mother was gifted Maheshwari silk fabric and Chak Hao, Manipur’s famed black rice.
Rice varieties and millets for UN food chief
Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, was gifted a selection of indigenous Indian rice varieties including Kerala’s red rice, West Bengal’s Gobindobhog rice, Assam’s Joha rice, Uttar Pradesh’s Kalanamak rice and Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plains.
He was also presented millet bars from Maharashtra, underscoring India’s continued push to promote traditional grains and sustainable agriculture globally.
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