From GI tagged textiles and tribal art to traditional grains and handcrafted artefacts, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used cultural diplomacy to highlight India’s artistic and agricultural diversity during his five nation tour…reports Asian Lite News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of traditional Indian gifts to the leadership of the United Arab Emiratesduring his recent visit to Abu Dhabi as part of his five nation diplomatic tour.
Among the gifts presented to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were GI tagged Kesar mangoes from Gujarat, a Rogan painting featuring the Tree of Life motif, and pineapples from Meghalaya.
The Kesar mango, often called the “Queen of Mangoes,” is known for its saffron coloured pulp, intense aroma and fibreless texture, while the Rogan artwork from Gujarat’s Kutch region reflected themes of continuity, harmony and interconnectedness.
The Meghalaya pineapples, also GI tagged, are known for their sweetness, high nutritional value and rich antioxidant content.
Prime Minister Modi also gifted the UAE Queen Mother a Karimnagar Filigree silver chest, Maheshwari silk fabric from Madhya Pradesh and Chak Hao black rice from Manipur.
The handcrafted silver chest showcased India’s nakkashi metalcraft tradition, while Maheshwari silk highlighted one of India’s finest handloom legacies linked to Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Chak Hao rice, often referred to as Manipur’s royal rice, is valued for its aroma and nutritional richness.
To UAE Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, PM Modi gifted Mithila Makhana from Bihar and a ceremonial dagger featuring intricate Koftgari work from Rajasthan.
The gifts symbolised shared traditions of heritage, dignity and craftsmanship between India and the UAE.
Swedish Visit Highlights Tagore Legacy
Stockholm/New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Modi presented specially curated Indian cultural gifts to Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Crown Princess Victoria during his visit to Sweden.
Among the gifts for Kristersson was a handcrafted Shantiniketan leather messenger bag from West Bengal, reflecting the artistic vision of Rabindranath Tagore and the cultural legacy of Shantiniketan.
The Prime Minister also gifted a curated collection of Tagore’s literary works, including “Words of the Master,” highlighting the poet’s intellectual connection with Sweden through the Nobel tradition.
Additional gifts included Loktak Tea from Manipur, cultivated around the ecologically rich Loktak Lake, and a Ladakh Pashmina stole handcrafted from Changthangi goat wool.
For Crown Princess Victoria, PM Modi gifted a traditional Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh and his book “Convenient Action: Continuity for Change,” which outlines India’s governance and development vision.
Officials said the gifts reflected shared values of sustainability, creativity and intellectual exchange between India and Sweden.
Nordic Leaders Receive Indian Artefacts
New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Modi gifted traditional Indian paintings and artefacts to the leaders of Finland, Denmark and Iceland during his recent diplomatic engagements with Nordic nations.
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir received a replica of the historic ice axe used by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay during the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953.
The handcrafted steel and wooden replica symbolised endurance, resilience and the spirit of exploration shared by Himalayan and Nordic traditions.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was presented with a Bidri Silver Work Vase, a craft from the Deccan region known for its intricate silver inlay and geometric artistry.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo received a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting from Rajasthan featuring lotus filled waters symbolising serenity, harmony and reflection.
Officials noted that the artwork resonated strongly with Finland’s deep cultural association with lakes and nature.
Norway Gifts Reflect Heritage and Nature
New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Modi presented handcrafted Indian artworks and artefacts to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, King Harald V, Queen Sonja and Crown Prince Haakon during his Norway visit.
Prime Minister Store received a pressed orchid painting and orchid paperweights made from real orchids and ferns sourced from Sikkim’s Himalayan valleys, reflecting India’s biodiversity and sustainable craftsmanship.
For Crown Prince Haakon, Modi gifted a Kalamkari painting depicting the Sun and Moon motif, symbolising cosmic balance and inspired by India’s ancient storytelling traditions.
Queen Sonja was presented with a Palm Leaf Pattachitra artwork from Odisha, known for its detailed engravings on treated palm leaves and its fusion of storytelling, calligraphy and classical imagery.
King Harald V received a handcrafted silver sailboat made using Tarakasi silver filigree from Odisha’s Cuttack region, reflecting India’s maritime heritage and Norway’s longstanding seafaring traditions.
The Norway visit also marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years.
Traditional Indian Grains for FAO Chief
Rome/New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Modi gifted representative samples of traditional Indian grains and millet bars to Qu Dongyu during his visit to Rome.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization, where PM Modi was also conferred the 2026 Agricola Medal in recognition of his contribution to food security and agricultural development.
The gifts included GI tagged Matta rice from Kerala, Gobindobhog rice from West Bengal, Basmati rice, Joha rice from Assam and Kalanamak rice from Uttar Pradesh.
Each grain reflected a different aspect of India’s agricultural traditions and nutritional diversity.
PM Modi also gifted millet bars made from jowar and bajra cultivated in Maharashtra, highlighting India’s growing focus on climate resilient and health conscious food products.
Officials said the gifts showcased India’s efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and traditional grains globally.
Dutch Leaders Receive Indian Craftworks
New Delhi/Amsterdam, May 21: During his visit to the Netherlands, Prime Minister Modi presented traditional Indian craft items to Dutch leaders reflecting India’s artistic and folk traditions.
King Willem-Alexander received a GI tagged Blue Pottery artwork from Jaipur known for its cobalt blue floral motifs and glass like finish.
Queen Máxima was gifted Meenakari and Kundan earrings from Rajasthan featuring enamel work and uncut gemstones in orange and blue tones inspired by Dutch national symbolism.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten received a Madhubani painting featuring a fish motif symbolising fertility, prosperity and ecological harmony.
Officials said the gifts highlighted shared values of sustainability, creativity and cultural preservation between India and the Netherlands.
Italian Leaders Receive Textile and Musical Gifts
New Delhi, May 21: Prime Minister Modi gifted specially curated Indian textiles, handicrafts and classical music compilations to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella during his Italy visit.
Meloni received a traditional Muga silk stole from Assam and a Shirui Lily silk stole inspired by Manipur’s rare state flower.
The Muga silk reflected Assam’s centuries old weaving traditions and sustainable textile heritage, while the Shirui Lily stole highlighted indigenous folklore and craftsmanship from Northeast India.
President Mattarella was gifted a handcrafted marble inlay work box created using the Pacchikari art technique associated with Agra.
Inside the box were recordings of legendary Indian classical vocalists Bhimsen Joshi and M. S. Subbulakshmi.
The Italy visit also saw India and Italy upgrade bilateral relations to a Special Strategic Partnership, with both sides aiming to expand trade to 20 billion euros by 2029.
