Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rich tribal heritage and traditional craftsmanship during his recent diplomatic engagements by presenting specially curated cultural gifts to several world leaders.
As part of India’s cultural outreach, PM Modi gifted a traditional Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh to Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden. The artwork, created by the Gond tribal community, is known for its intricate dot-and-line patterns, vibrant natural colours and nature-inspired themes. Gond art is internationally recognised and continues to support the livelihoods of tribal artisans across central India.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received a traditional Muga Silk stole from Assam along with a Shirui Lily stole crafted by the Tangkhul Naga community of Manipur. Muga Silk, famous for its natural golden sheen and durability, represents Assam’s centuries-old weaving tradition and carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The Shirui Lily stole reflects the cultural identity of the Tangkhul Naga tribe and draws inspiration from Manipur’s rare state flower, the Shirui Lily.
PM Modi also presented Black Rice, locally known as Chak-Hao, from Manipur to Queen Mother of the United Arab Emirates. The heritage grain, traditionally cultivated by tribal hill communities, is widely recognised for its nutritional and medicinal value and represents the region’s indigenous agricultural traditions.
Through these diplomatic gestures, PM Modi highlighted India’s tribal traditions, indigenous craftsmanship and cultural heritage on the global stage, while also recognising the invaluable contribution of tribal communities in preserving the nation’s artistic and cultural diversity.
