From traditional paintings and handcrafted jewellery to GI-tagged farm products and Himalayan textiles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of culturally significant Indian gifts to global leaders
during his foreign visit. The gifts showcased India’s rich artistic heritage, regional craftsmanship and traditional food culture, while also reflecting symbolic cultural connections with countries including Italy, Sweden, Norway, the UAE, the Netherlands, Finland and Iceland.
Gift For Italy PM: Assam’s Traditional Muga Silk Stole
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Italy was a traditional Muga silk stole from Assam, a fabric widely known as the “Golden Silk” of India.
Produced in the Brahmaputra Valley of Northeast India, Muga silk is valued for its natural golden shine and fine texture. Unlike many other silk varieties, it does not require artificial colouring, making it an environmentally sustainable textile with deep cultural roots.
Gift For Italy PM: Shirui Lily Silk Stole
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Italy was a Shirui Lily silk stole inspired by the scenic Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur.
The stole takes inspiration from the rare Shirui Lily, a unique flower found only in Manipur’s hill region. Known for its soft pinkish-white petals and bell-shaped appearance, the flower is regarded as a symbol of purity and cultural identity by the Tangkhul Naga community.
Beyond its artistic beauty, the stole reflects the traditions, folklore and craftsmanship of the indigenous communities of Northeast India.
The Shirui Lily also shares cultural significance with Italy, where the lily has historically symbolised purity, elegance and artistic beauty. The flower has appeared frequently in Italian Renaissance art and cultural traditions over the centuries.
The gift therefore represents not only India’s textile heritage and traditional craftsmanship, but also a symbolic cultural connection between India and Italy through shared artistic and cultural values.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gifted a packet of Parle’s Melody toffees to Meloni during his visit.
Gift For FAO Director-General: Healthy Millet Bars
The gift presented to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was a set of healthy millet bars, highlighting India’s rich millet heritage and focus on nutritious food traditions.
Millets have long been an important part of Maharashtra’s farming culture and are widely grown in regions such as Solapur, Ahmednagar and the Marathwada belt. Popular varieties include jowar (sorghum) and bajra (pearl millet), which are well suited to dry and semi-arid climatic conditions.
Gift For Italy President: Marble Inlay Box With Classical Music Collections
The gift presented to the President of Italy was a handcrafted marble inlay work box along with music compilations of legendary Indian classical singers Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and M.S. Subbulakshmi.
The marble inlay box reflects India’s rich tradition of fine craftsmanship and is closely linked to the skilled artisans of Agra. The artwork is created using the traditional Pacchikari or Pietra Dura technique, an intricate form of stone inlay work believed to have originated in Florence, Italy, before becoming popular in India during the Mughal era.
Made from polished white marble, the box features detailed floral and geometric patterns created with semi-precious stones including lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, coral and mother-of-pearl. The delicate inlay work highlights the precision and artistry of Indian craftsmen.
Inside the box are music collections of two of India’s most respected classical musicians. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, a Bharat Ratna awardee, was celebrated for his powerful Hindustani classical performances. M.S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, became internationally recognised for her Carnatic music and her memorable performance at the United Nations.x
Gift For FAO Director-General: Samples Of India’s Finest Traditional Grains
The gift presented to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) included representative samples of some of India’s finest and most distinctive rice varieties and grains, showcasing the country’s rich agricultural diversity and food heritage.
Red Rice From Kerala
Red Rice, popularly known as Matta or Palakkadan Matta, is grown in the black soil regions of Palakkad in Kerala. Recognised for its reddish-brown colour and thick texture, the rice undergoes minimal polishing, helping preserve its nutritional value. Rich in fibre, magnesium and Vitamin B6, it is also a GI-tagged product linked to the traditional farming culture of the Western Ghats.
Gobindobhog Rice From West Bengal
Gobindobhog rice is a premium aromatic short-grain variety from West Bengal. Known for its rich fragrance and soft texture, the rice develops a slightly sticky consistency after cooking, making it widely used in traditional Bengali dishes such as Payesh and Khichuri.
Basmati Rice From Indo-Gangetic Plains
Basmati rice, often referred to as the “Queen of Fragrance,” is a long-grain rice variety cultivated in the fertile Indo-Gangetic plains. Its grains become longer after cooking and are known for their distinct aroma, light texture and non-sticky quality. It is also naturally gluten-free and considered nutritionally balanced.
Joha Rice From Assam
Joha rice is an indigenous aromatic rice variety from Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley. The rice is known for its sweet fragrance, small grains and delicate buttery flavour. Rich in antioxidants, Joha rice holds an important place in Assam’s traditional food culture.
Kalanamak Rice From Uttar Pradesh
Kalanamak rice, often called “Buddha Rice,” originates from the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, especially Siddharthnagar. It is identified by its black husk, aromatic quality and medium-slender grains. The rice is rich in iron, zinc and antioxidants and is also known for its low glycaemic index.
Gift For Dutch King: Jaipur’s Traditional Blue Pottery
The gift presented to the King of the Netherlands was Jaipur’s famous Blue Pottery, a GI-tagged craft form from Rajasthan known for its striking blue, white and yellow patterns.
This traditional art is made using a distinctive blend of quartz powder, powdered glass and Fuller’s earth instead of regular clay, giving the pottery its smooth, glass-like finish. The craft involves specialised firing techniques that create its signature translucent appearance and vibrant cobalt-blue shades.
The pottery is often decorated with detailed floral patterns, bird motifs and intricate hand-painted designs, reflecting the rich artistic traditions of Rajasthan.
Jaipur’s Blue Pottery is widely regarded as a symbol of Indian craftsmanship, combining heritage art with modern aesthetics.
The gift also carries cultural significance for the Netherlands, which is globally recognised for its own Delft Blue pottery tradition. The presentation of Blue Pottery symbolises the shared appreciation for fine ceramic art and craftsmanship between India and the Netherlands.
Gift For Dutch Queen: Meenakari And Kundan Earrings
The gift presented to the Queen of the Netherlands was a pair of traditional Meenakari and Kundan earrings, reflecting the rich heritage of Indian jewellery craftsmanship rooted in Rajasthan’s royal artistic traditions.
The earrings combine two classic art forms — Meenakari, known for its detailed enamel work in vibrant colours, and Kundan, a technique that uses uncut gemstones set with refined gold foil. Together, the two styles create jewellery that blends traditional artistry with timeless elegance.
The intricate craftsmanship and colourful design highlight India’s long-standing expertise in handmade jewellery and decorative arts.
The choice of orange and blue colours also carries symbolic significance for the Netherlands. Orange represents the Dutch royal House of Orange-Nassau and is associated with national pride and unity, while blue symbolises calmness, openness and the country’s historic connection with water.
The earrings therefore serve as a cultural tribute that combines Dutch symbolism with Indian artistic tradition.
Gift For Dutch PM: Madhubani Painting Featuring Fish Motif
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands was a Madhubani painting featuring the traditional fish motif, a significant symbol in Mithila art.
Madhubani painting is a GI-tagged folk art form from the Mithila region of India and Nepal, known for its vibrant colours, detailed geometric patterns and cultural themes. Traditionally created by women, the art has long been associated with festivals, weddings and religious ceremonies.
Inspired by mythology, folklore and daily life, Madhubani paintings commonly include motifs such as flowers, birds, trees and aquatic life.
Gift For Norway Queen: Odisha’s Palm Leaf Pattachitra
The gift presented to the Queen of Norway was a Palm Leaf Pattachitra artwork, one of Odisha’s oldest and most detailed traditional art forms.
Locally known as Tala Pattachitra, the craft involves engraving intricate designs and illustrations onto specially treated palm leaves obtained from the Palmyra tree. Unlike cloth-based Pattachitra paintings, this art form is created through delicate etching techniques that require exceptional precision and patience.
The artwork is often designed in the form of foldable panels or strips tied together with thread, combining storytelling, traditional motifs and classical imagery in a single piece. Its fine detailing and natural texture reflect the rich artistic heritage of Odisha and the craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans.
The gift also symbolises a cultural connection with Norway, a country known for valuing heritage, storytelling traditions and nature-inspired art. Much like Nordic folk and manuscript art traditions, Palm Leaf Pattachitra preserves history and culture through intricate craftsmanship and timeless artistic expression.
Gift For Norway Crown Prince: Kalamkari Painting With Sun And Moon Motif
The gift presented to the Crown Prince of Norway was a Kalamkari painting featuring the Sun and Moon motif, a symbol deeply connected with balance and harmony in Indian art traditions.
Kalamkari is one of India’s oldest textile art forms, known for its hand-painted and block-printed designs created using natural dyes. Originating in Andhra Pradesh, the craft developed through two major styles — the freehand Srikalahasti style created with bamboo pens, and the Machilipatnam style known for intricate wooden block printing.
Kalamkari artworks often depict stories from mythology, nature and traditional folklore through detailed patterns and symbolic imagery.
The Sun and Moon motif in the painting represents the balance of opposing yet complementary forces. In traditional symbolism, the Sun stands for energy, strength and consciousness, while the Moon reflects calmness, intuition and inner peace.
The gift highlights India’s rich artistic heritage while also reflecting themes of harmony, nature and timeless craftsmanship.
Gift For Sweden PM: Shantiniketan Messenger Bag
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Sweden was a handcrafted Shantiniketan messenger bag, reflecting the rich artistic traditions of West Bengal.
The craft originates from Shantiniketan, often called the “Abode of Peace,” where Rabindranath Tagore envisioned a centre for cultural exchange and creative learning. Inspired by this vision, local artisans developed a unique style that blended traditional folk art with modern design elements.
Gift For Sweden PM: Loktak Tea From Manipur
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Sweden was Loktak Tea, a premium artisanal tea grown in the scenic hills around Loktak Lake in Manipur.
Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, is known for its unique floating “Phumdis” and rich natural biodiversity. The tea cultivated in this region is produced in small batches through community-led and chemical-free farming methods that preserve traditional agricultural practices.
The cool, mist-covered environment surrounding the lake gives Loktak Tea its distinct flavour, freshness and natural purity.
The gift reflects the ecological richness of Manipur while also highlighting sustainable farming and local craftsmanship rooted in the region’s traditional way of life.
Gift For Crown Princess Victoria: Traditional Gond Painting
The gift presented to Crown Princess Victoria was a traditional Gond painting, a colourful tribal art form created by the Gondi community of Madhya Pradesh.
Gond art is deeply connected to nature and is based on the belief that seeing beautiful images brings positivity and good fortune. The tradition originally began as decorative wall and floor paintings made during festivals, rituals and special occasions.
The paintings are known for their detailed patterns, fine lines, dots and bright contrasting colours. Gond artists often portray forests, animals, birds and landscapes, presenting nature as a living and interconnected world.
Gift For Crown Princess Victoria: Convenient Action – Continuity for Change
The gift presented to Crown Princess Victoria included Convenient Action – Continuity for Change, a book by the Prime Minister of India that brings together speeches, reflections and policy ideas centred on governance and national development.
The book outlines the importance of maintaining continuity in policymaking while adapting to change to drive economic and social progress. Through selected speeches and essays, it explores themes such as good governance, inclusive growth, economic reforms and administrative effectiveness.
Gift For Norway PM: Pressed Orchid Painting And Orchid Paperweights
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Norway included a pressed orchid painting and orchid paperweights made using real orchids and ferns collected from the valleys of Sikkim.
The artworks highlight the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas and showcase the natural beauty of Sikkim’s mountain landscape. Each orchid and fern used in the pieces was carefully selected and preserved by local artisans using traditional techniques.
Created in India’s first organic state, the artworks also reflect themes of sustainability, ecological harmony and nature-based craftsmanship.
The gift carries a symbolic connection with Norway, a country known for its strong focus on environmental conservation, natural beauty and sustainable living. The orchid-themed artwork represents a shared appreciation for nature and traditional craftsmanship between the two countries.
Gift For Norway King: Intricate Silver Sailboat Model
The gift presented to the King of Norway was an intricately crafted silver sailboat model created using Tarakasi, the traditional silver filigree art of Cuttack in Odisha, widely known as India’s “Silver City”.
Tarakasi is a centuries-old craft that involves twisting and shaping extremely fine silver wires into delicate lace-like patterns. Practised for more than 500 years, the art form is recognised for its precision, detail and exceptional craftsmanship.
Handmade by skilled artisans, the sailboat symbolises Odisha’s historic maritime traditions and the journeys of ancient Indian traders who once travelled across the Indian Ocean.
The gift also reflects a cultural connection with Norway’s strong seafaring history, shaped by Viking exploration and generations of maritime heritage. It carries added significance due to King Harald V’s personal association with sailing and his past participation in the Olympic Games representing Norway.
Gift For Denmark PM: Bidri Silver Work Vase
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Denmark was a Bidri Silver Work Vase, a fine example of the rich artistic traditions of the Deccan region.
Known for its detailed silver inlay work and elegant craftsmanship, Bidri art has been practised for generations by skilled artisans from Hyderabad and the Deccan plateau. The vase features delicate floral and geometric patterns carefully embedded into its surface, reflecting precision and refined design.
Bidri craft is widely admired for its balance of artistic beauty and intricate handmade detailing, making it one of India’s most recognised metalwork traditions.
The gift also carries a symbolic connection with Denmark, a country known globally for its design heritage, minimalism and appreciation for fine craftsmanship. The vase represents shared artistic values between India and Denmark, combining simplicity, elegance and skilled workmanship.
Gift For Sweden PM: Ladakh Pure Wool Stole
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Sweden was a Ladakh Pure Wool Stole, popularly known as a Pashmina shawl, reflecting the rich textile traditions of the Himalayan region.
The stole originates from the high-altitude Changthang plateau in Ladakh, where the Changthangi goat produces a fine under-fleece naturally suited to survive extreme cold conditions. The wool is carefully hand-spun by local women and woven by artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Made with natural dyes and locally rooted methods, the craft represents sustainability, authenticity and skilled handmade craftsmanship.
The stole also symbolises resilience, harmony with nature and mindful living — values that closely connect with Sweden’s cultural emphasis on sustainability and respect for the environment.
Its connection to life in one of the world’s harshest climates reflects themes of endurance, adaptability and community strength, creating a meaningful cultural link between the Himalayan and Nordic traditions.
Gift For UAE Queen Mother: Karimnagar Filigree Box
The gift presented to the Queen Mother of the UAE was an intricately designed Karimnagar Filigree box, showcasing one of India’s finest traditional metalcraft styles.
Crafted using the renowned nakkashi technique, the artwork involves carefully hammering detailed patterns onto silver sheets by hand to create rich texture, depth and fine artistic detailing. The craft is widely associated with the skilled artisans of Karimnagar.
The silver box features a ceremonial procession led by an elephant carrying a royal howdah, a traditional symbol of honour, prestige and celebration in Indian culture.
Blending artistic excellence with cultural heritage, the filigree box reflects themes of elegance, continuity and tradition. The gift also symbolises the strong cultural warmth and longstanding ties shared between India and the United Arab Emirates.
Gift For Iceland PM: Replica Of Ice Axe Used By Tenzing Norgay
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Iceland was a replica of the historic ice axe carried by legendary mountaineer Tenzing Norgay during the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Edmund Hillary.
Made from steel with a polished wooden handle, the replica reflects the durability, precision and simplicity required in high-altitude mountaineering. The ice axe remains one of the most recognised symbols associated with the historic Everest expedition.
The gift also carries symbolic significance for Iceland, a country closely connected with glaciers, rugged landscapes and exploration traditions. Beyond being a mountaineering tool, the ice axe represents endurance, adventure and respect for nature — values deeply linked to both Himalayan and Nordic cultures.
Gift For UAE President: Rogan Painting Featuring Tree Of Life
The gift presented to the President of the UAE was a Rogan painting featuring the traditional Tree of Life motif, one of the most recognised symbols in Indian folk art.
Rogan painting is a rare textile art form from the Kutch region of Gujarat, known for its detailed handmade patterns and vibrant colours. Created using a special technique that produces raised and textured designs on fabric, the craft reflects generations of skilled craftsmanship and artistic tradition.
The Tree of Life motif symbolises connection, growth, renewal and continuity. With roots firmly grounded and branches extending upward, the design represents balance between tradition and progress.
The artwork also reflects values closely associated with the UAE, including heritage, resilience and development. Known for its rich colours and intricate detailing, Rogan art highlights sustainable and slow craftsmanship rooted in cultural tradition.
Gift For Finland PM: Kamal Talai Pichwai Painting
The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Finland was a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting, a traditional artwork associated with the Nathdwara style of Rajasthan.
The painting features lotus-filled waters, a symbol often linked with purity, peace and spiritual reflection in Indian art traditions. Known for its detailed craftsmanship and devotional themes, Pichwai art holds an important place in Rajasthan’s cultural heritage.
The artwork carries a special connection with Finland, often referred to as the “Land of a Thousand Lakes.” Its calm waters and meditative atmosphere reflect Finland’s close relationship with nature, lakes and tranquillity.
As a cultural gift from India, the Kamal Talai Pichwai painting symbolises shared values of serenity, harmony and respect for the natural world between the two countries.
Gift for UAE President – Kesar Mangoes And Pineapples
The Kesar Mango, a GI-tagged also called as Gujarat’s “Queen of Mangoes,” originated in Junagadh, Gujarat. Distinguished by its saffron-hued, fibreless pulp and intense aroma, it is celebrated through “Aamras” feasts that symbolize Gujarati hospitality and a prestigious heritage of tropical excellence.
The gift presented to the President of the UAE also included GI-tagged pineapples from Meghalaya, widely regarded among the finest pineapple varieties in the world.
Gift For UAE Crown Prince: Koftgari Dagger And Mithila Makhana
The gift presented to the Crown Prince of the UAE included a ceremonial dagger featuring intricate Koftgari work along with Mithila Makhana from Bihar.
The handcrafted dagger represents India’s rich martial and artistic heritage. Created by skilled Sikligar and traditional metal artisans from Udaipur in Rajasthan, Koftgari is a specialised craft that involves embedding fine gold and silver wires onto steel surfaces to form detailed floral and geometric patterns.
Historically associated with Rajput royal courts, the art transformed weapons into symbols of prestige, honour and craftsmanship. Today, only a small number of artisans continue practising this centuries-old tradition in workshops across Udaipur.
The dagger also shares a symbolic connection with the UAE’s traditional Khanjar culture, representing courage, dignity and royal heritage while reflecting the shared respect for tradition between India and the UAE.
The gift also included Mithila Makhana, a GI-tagged agricultural product from Bihar’s Mithila region. Commonly known as fox nuts or lotus seeds, makhana is cultivated in freshwater wetlands and is valued for its light texture, nutritional richness and versatility.
Rich in protein, minerals and antioxidants, Mithila Makhana is widely consumed in traditional dishes, snacks and religious offerings across India.
