Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrapped up his two-day official visit to Ghana on Thursday, July 3 — a historic trip marking the first by an Indian PM in over thirty years. During the visit, India and Ghana elevated their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership.
To commemorate the occasion, PM Modi presented dignitaries in Ghana with a selection of elegant gifts that highlight India’s rich cultural heritage and artisanal excellence. Among them were opulent Pashmina shawls and intricately crafted silver filigree purses — each a symbol of the growing ties and cooperation between the two nations.
Elegant Bidriware Vase | As a gesture of goodwill and shared cultural appreciation, PM Modi presented the Ghanaian President John Mahama with a finely crafted Bidriware vase. Handmade by skilled artisans from Bidar, Karnataka, the vase represents the centuries-old tradition of Bidri art, renowned for its deep black surface and intricate silver inlay. Crafted from a zinc-copper alloy and finished using a unique oxidation method, the vase features delicate floral motifs — symbols of prosperity and harmony. This exquisite piece serves as both a cultural treasure and a symbol of the strengthening India-Ghana relationship.
Handcrafted Silver Filigree Purse | In a gesture of cultural diplomacy, the Prime Minister presented Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, with a meticulously handcrafted Silver Filigree Purse from Cuttack, Odisha. This exquisite accessory embodies the age-old Tarakasi art form — a delicate silver filigree technique honed by artisans over five centuries. Created using ultra-fine silver wires shaped into intricate floral and vine patterns, the purse marries timeless craftsmanship with contemporary design. Traditionally used in jewellery, the technique has evolved to enhance elegant pieces like this one, serving as both a style statement and a tribute to India’s enduring artisanal traditions.
Luxurious Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl | PM Modi gifted the Vice President of Ghana, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyeman, a premium Kashmiri Pashmina shawl — a timeless emblem of India’s textile artistry. Woven from the ultra-fine undercoat of the Changthangi goat native to Kashmir, the shawl is prized for its unparalleled softness, warmth, and featherlight feel. Embellished with traditional floral and paisley embroidery, each shawl is a result of painstaking hand-spinning, weaving, and needlework by skilled Kashmiri artisans — a process that can span several weeks or even months. Globally admired, an authentic Pashmina is more than a luxury item; it is a symbol of elegance and India’s centuries-old craftsmanship.
Miniature Elephant Ambawari | The Prime Minister presented the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, with a beautifully handcrafted Miniature Elephant Ambawari from West Bengal — a symbol of India’s royal traditions and refined craftsmanship. Modeled after the majestic elephants that once carried royalty in grand ceremonial processions, the miniature features an ornate howdah and intricate floral designs. Crafted from polished synthetic ivory, it reflects both ethical artistry and long-lasting elegance. Every element, from the carved canopy to the fine detailing, showcases the skill of Indian artisans. Housed in a protective display case, the piece is both a decorative keepsake and a tribute to India’s cultural grandeur.

