Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour was marked not only by strategic agreements and high-level engagements, but also by a rich display of India’s cultural heritage through thoughtfully curated gifts presented to world leaders and dignitaries across Europe and West Asia.
From Assam’s famed Muga silk and Manipur’s Shirui Lily-inspired textiles to Madhubani paintings, Bidri artwork and traditional Indian grains, the gifts reflected India’s diverse artistic traditions, agricultural richness and deep cultural symbolism.
In Norway, PM Modi gifted handcrafted Indian artworks to members of the Norwegian leadership and royal family. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre received pressed orchid paintings and orchid paperweights made from flowers sourced from Sikkim. Crown Prince Haakon, Crown Prince of Norway was presented a Kalamkari painting featuring Sun and Moon motifs, while Queen Sonja of Norway received a Palm Leaf Pattachitra artwork from Odisha.
At the India-Nordic Summit, PM Modi also presented gifts to the Prime Ministers of Finland, Iceland and Denmark. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo was gifted a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting from Rajasthan, while Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir received a replica of the historic ice axe used by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay during the first successful Everest ascent. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was presented a Bidri silver work vase from the Deccan region.
In Sweden, PM Modi gifted Crown Princess Victoria, Crown Princess a copy of his book “Convenient Action: Continuity for Change.” Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received a handcrafted Shantiniketan leather bag, works of Rabindranath Tagore, artisanal Loktak tea from Manipur and a traditional Ladakh Pashmina stole.
During the Netherlands leg of the visit, PM Modi presented Dutch King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands with GI-tagged Blue Pottery from Rajasthan, while Queen Máxima of the Netherlands received Meenakari and Kundan earrings crafted in traditional Rajasthani style. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten was gifted a Madhubani painting featuring a fish motif symbolising harmony and ecological balance.
During his visit to Italy, PM Modi presented Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with a traditional Muga silk stole and a Shirui Lily silk stole. Muga silk, often called Assam’s “Golden Silk,” is renowned for its natural golden sheen, durability and sustainable production process. The Shirui Lily stole drew inspiration from the rare flower found only in Manipur’s Shirui Hills, symbolising purity and cultural pride.
The Prime Minister also gifted Italian President Sergio Mattarella a handcrafted marble inlay work box featuring the intricate Pacchikari art associated with Agra. Inside the box were recordings of legendary Indian classical vocalists Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and M. S. Subbulakshmi, highlighting India’s rich musical heritage.
During his meeting with Qu Dongyu at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, PM Modi presented curated samples of India’s traditional grains, including GI-tagged Kerala red rice, Gobindobhog rice from West Bengal, Basmati rice, Assam’s Joha rice and Uttar Pradesh’s Kalanamak rice. He also gifted healthy millet bars to showcase India’s focus on nutritious and climate-resilient food systems.
(With agency inputs)
