1 / 12PM Modi’s diplomatic gifts spotlight India’s regional crafts, GI-tagged foods and handloom traditions | Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his five-nation tour covering the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy. During the visit, the Prime Minister presented a range of traditional Indian artworks, textiles, food products and handcrafted items to global leaders and dignitaries. The gifts reflected India’s cultural diversity, regional craftsmanship and GI-tagged products from different states. Here’s a look at the gifts presented during the visit. (Image: Reuters)
2 / 12Rogan painting, Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapple for UAE President | PM Modi gifted a Rogan Painting with the “Tree of Life” motif, Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapples to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Rogan art is a rare textile painting tradition from Gujarat’s Kutch region, known for its detailed handwork and bright colours. The Tree of Life design symbolises continuity, growth and interconnectedness. The GI-tagged Kesar mango from Gujarat’s Junagadh region is known for its saffron-coloured pulp and strong aroma, while Meghalaya pineapples are recognised for their sweetness and low acidity.
3 / 12Koftgari dagger and Mithila makhana for the UAE Crown Prince | The Prime Minister gifted a ceremonial dagger with Koftgari work and Mithila makhana to the Crown Prince of the UAE. Koftgari is a traditional metal inlay art practised by artisans in Rajasthan, where gold and silver wires are carefully embedded into steel designs. Mithila makhana, also called fox nuts, comes from Bihar and carries a GI tag. It is widely valued for its nutritional benefits and traditional farming heritage.
4 / 12Blue pottery and Kundan-Meenakari earrings for Dutch royals | PM Modi gifted Jaipur Blue Pottery to King Willem-Alexander and Meenakari-Kundan earrings to Queen Máxima. Jaipur Blue Pottery is a GI-tagged craft known for its cobalt blue patterns and glass-like finish. The art form uses quartz powder and powdered glass instead of regular clay. The earrings combine Meenakari enamel work with Kundan gemstone setting, two historic jewellery-making traditions from Rajasthan.
5 / 12Karimnagar silver filigree and Maheshwari silk for the UAE Queen Mother | PM Modi presented a Karimnagar Filigree box and Maheshwari silk fabric to Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi. Karimnagar metalcraft from Telangana is known for intricate silver repoussé work created by hand. Maheshwari silk from Madhya Pradesh is a lightweight handloom fabric associated with Queen Ahilyabai Holkar and the weaving traditions of Maheshwar.
6 / 12Pressed orchid artwork for Norway Prime Minister | PM Modi gifted a pressed orchid painting and orchid paperweights to Norway Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The artwork uses real orchids and ferns from Sikkim and highlights the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas. The gift also reflected themes of sustainability and nature conservation.
7 / 12India’s finest rice varieties gifted to FAO chief | The Prime Minister gifted a collection of Indian grains to Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO. The collection included Red Rice from Kerala, Gobindobhog Rice from West Bengal, Basmati Rice from the Indo-Gangetic plains, Joha Rice from Assam, and Kalanamak Rice from Uttar Pradesh. Each variety represents distinct agricultural traditions and regional food heritage.
8 / 12Muga silk stole for Italy PM Giorgia Meloni | PM Modi gifted a Muga Silk stole to Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Known as Assam’s “Golden Silk,” Muga silk is famous for its natural golden colour, durability and rich texture. It is considered one of the strongest natural fibres in the world.
9 / 12Bidri silver work vase for Denmark PM | PM Modi presented a Bidri Silver Work Vase to Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Bidriware is a traditional metal handicraft from the Deccan region, known for detailed silver inlay work on dark metal surfaces.
10 / 12Millet bars for FAO Director-General | The Prime Minister also gifted healthy millet bars to FAO chief Qu Dongyu. The millet bars highlighted Maharashtra’s millet-growing regions and India’s push for climate-resilient and nutritious grains like jowar and bajra.
11 / 12Everest ice axe replica for Iceland PM | PM Modi gifted a replica of the ice axe used by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay to Iceland Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir. The replica honours the historic 1953 Everest expedition by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
12 / 12Gond painting and book for Sweden Crown Princess | PM Modi gifted a Gond painting and the book Convenient Action: Continuity for Change to Crown Princess Victoria. Gond art is a tribal painting tradition from Madhya Pradesh known for colourful patterns, nature-inspired themes and detailed line work. The book contains speeches and reflections on governance, development and policy reforms by PM Modi.
