Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a variety of unique gifts to world leaders during his recently concluded five-nation tour. Among the gifts were a Muga silk stole for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Madhubani painting featuring a fish motif for Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and a Ladakhi pure wool stole for Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Modi also gifted Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapples to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a replica of the ice axe used by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay to Iceland’s Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir, and a Bidri silver work vase to Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, among others. The Prime Minister visited the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy.
The Muga silk stole, presented to Meloni, is a prestigious textile from the Brahmaputra Valley, known for its natural golden hue and elegance. Officials noted that Italy’s rich tradition of luxury textiles resonates with the beauty of Assam’s “golden silk.”
Additionally, Meloni received a Shirui Lily silk stole inspired by the Shirui Lily, a flower unique to Manipur, symbolizing purity and cultural pride for the Tangkhul Naga community.
Italian President Sergio Mattarella was presented with a marble inlay work box containing CDs of renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi, showcasing India’s handcrafted artistry linked to Agra’s master craftsmen.
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands received blue pottery from Jaipur, a GI-tagged art form characterized by its vibrant cobalt blue, white, and yellow designs, symbolizing Indian craftsmanship. Queen Maxima was gifted Meenakari and Kundan earrings, representing Rajasthan’s jewelry traditions.
Prime Minister Rob Jetten was given a Madhubani painting, while Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received a pressed orchid painting and orchid paperweights from Sikkim. King Harald V of Norway was gifted a silver sailboat model, a masterpiece of Tarakasi silver filigree from Odisha.
Queen Sonja of Norway received a palm leaf Pattachitra, and the Swedish PM also received Loktak tea and a handcrafted Santiniketan messenger bag. Iceland’s prime minister received a replica of Norgay’s ice axe, while Denmark’s PM received a Bidri silver work vase.
In addition to Kesar mangoes, the UAE president was gifted a Rogan painting and Mithila makhana, while the UAE crown prince received a ceremonial dagger with Koftgari work. The UAE Queen Mother was presented with Maheshwari silk fabric and Chak Hao rice from Manipur.
Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN, was gifted various types of rice from India, including red rice from Kerala and Basmati rice from the Indo-Gangetic plains, along with healthy millet bars from Maharashtra.
