From Mahabharata Art To Ancient Medical Texts: The Gifts PM Modi Took To France And Slovakia

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's rich artistic, cultural and intellectual traditions through a carefully curated selection of gifts presented to leaders and dignitaries during his recent visits to France and Slovakia.The gifts, ranging from handwoven textiles and traditional artworks to ancient Ayurvedic texts and tribal handicrafts, reflected India's diverse heritage and served as symbols of cultural diplomacy during high-level engagements.

Gifts for French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron

During his visit to France, PM Modi presented French President Emmanuel Macron with a handcrafted Kalamkari painting from Andhra Pradesh depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Created using traditional pen-drawing techniques, the artwork took nearly six months to complete and showcases one of India's oldest storytelling art forms.

Brigitte Macron, the French President's wife, received a Pochampally silk stole from Telangana. Handwoven using the renowned Ikat resist-dyeing technique, the stole is known for its intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colours and fine craftsmanship, representing India's rich textile heritage.

Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron | Pochampally Silk Stole: The Pochampally Silk Stole is a handwoven textile from Telangana, made using the traditional Ikat resist-dyeing technique. Known for its intricate geometric and…

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— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2026

Traditional Indian Crafts for Slovakia's President

During his official visit to Slovakia, PM Modi gifted President Peter Pellegrini a collection of handcrafted Indian artefacts, including Thewa motif cufflinks from Rajasthan, crafted using the rare gold-on-glass Thewa technique. He also presented a Himroo silk tie and pocket square set from Aurangabad, a textile tradition known for its elegant silk-cotton weave and intricate floral designs.

The Slovak President additionally received a Brass Dokra Antelope Set, showcasing the ancient lost-wax metal-casting tradition practised by tribal artisans in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini | Handcrafted Thewa Motif Cufflinks:The Handcrafted Thewa Motif Cufflinks showcase the traditional jewellery craft of Pratapgarh. Made using the rare Thewa technique, they feature finely engraved gold sheets fused… pic.twitter.com/E09YuKseae

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2026

Kashmiri Craft for Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico

Prime Minister Robert Fico was presented with a hand-knotted Kashmiri silk carpet, one of India's most prized handicrafts. Crafted from high-quality natural silk, the carpet features intricate floral and paisley motifs inspired by the artistic traditions and natural beauty of the Kashmir Valley.

Ancient Knowledge and Tradition for Parliament Speaker Richard Raši

Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Raši received Thekua, a traditional sweet snack from Bihar and Jharkhand that is closely associated with the Chhath festival and reflects India's regional culinary heritage.

Gift given by PM Modi to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Raši | Charak Samhita: Charaka Samhita is a foundational ancient Indian medical text and a key work of Ayurveda, attributed to Acharya Charaka. It presents a systematic and scholarly understanding of health, disease, human… pic.twitter.com/TLShzP4mZb

— ANI (@ANI) June 19, 2026

PM Modi also gifted him copies of the Susruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita, two foundational texts of Ayurveda. The works are regarded as among the earliest and most influential medical treatises in the world, documenting India's advances in surgery, anatomy, healthcare and holistic medicine centuries ago.The selection of gifts showcased India's efforts to use cultural diplomacy to strengthen ties with partner nations while showcasing the country's centuries-old traditions, craftsmanship and knowledge systems on the global stage.