From Pashmina Stoles To Palm Leaf Pattachitra: What PM Modi Gifted Global Leaders During Five-Nation Visit

From Pashmina Stoles To Palm Leaf Pattachitra: What PM Modi Gifted Global Leaders During Five-Nation Visit Published By Last Updated: May 21, 2026, 11:41 IST The gifts ranged from traditional Indian artworks and textiles to GI-tagged food products, highlighting the country’s cultural diversity during PM Modi’s foreign visit. Left: Pashmina Stoles Middle: Pressed Orchid Painting; Right: Healthy Millet Bars From traditional paintings and handcrafted jewellery to GI-tagged farm products and Himalayan textiles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of culturally significant Indian gifts to global leaders during his foreign visit. The gifts showcased India’s rich artistic heritage, regional craftsmanship and traditional food culture, while also reflecting symbolic cultural connections with countries including Italy, Sweden, Norway, the UAE, the Netherlands, Finland and Iceland. Gift For Italy PM: Assam’s Traditional Muga Silk Stole The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Italy was a traditional Muga silk stole from Assam, a fabric widely known as the “Golden Silk" of India. Produced in the Brahmaputra Valley of Northeast India, Muga silk is valued for its natural golden shine and fine texture. Unlike many other silk varieties, it does not require artificial colouring, making it an environmentally sustainable textile with deep cultural roots. Gift For Italy PM: Shirui Lily Silk Stole The gift presented to the Prime Minister of Italy was a Shirui Lily silk stole inspired by the scenic Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur. The stole takes inspiration from the rare Shirui Lily, a unique flower found only in Manipur’s hill region. Known for its soft pinkish-white petals and bell-shaped appearance, the flower is regarded as a symbol of purity and cultural identity by the Tangkhul Naga community. Beyond its artistic beauty, the stole reflects the traditions, folklore and craftsmanship of the indigenous communities of Northeast India. The Shirui Lily also shares cultural significance with Italy, where the lily has historically symbolised purity, elegance and artistic beauty. The flower has appeared frequently in Italian Renaissance art and cultural traditions over the centuries. The gift therefore represents not only India’s textile heritage and traditional craftsmanship, but also a symbolic cultural connection between India and Italy through shared artistic and cultural values. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also gifted a packet of Parle’s Melody toffees to Meloni during his visit. Gift For FAO Director-General: Healthy Millet Bars The gift presented to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was a set of healthy millet bars, highlighting India’s rich millet heritage and focus on nutritious food traditions. Millets have long been an important part of Maharashtra’s farming culture and are widely grown in regions such as Solapur, Ahmednagar and the Marathwada belt. Popular varieties include jowar (sorghum) and bajra (pearl millet), which are well suited to dry and semi-arid climatic conditions. Gift For Italy President: Marble Inlay Box With Classical Music Collections The gift presented to the President of Italy was a handcrafted marble inlay work box along with music compilations of legendary Indian classical singers Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and M.S. Subbulakshmi. The marble inlay box reflects India’s rich tradition of fine craftsmanship and is closely linked to the skilled artisans of Agra. The artwork is created using the traditional Pacchikari or Pietra Dura technique, an intricate form of stone inlay work believed to have originated in Florence, Italy, before becoming popular in India during the Mughal era. Made from polished white marble, the box features detailed floral and geometric patterns created with semi-precious stones including lapis lazuli, turquoise, malachite, coral and mother-of-pearl. The delicate inlay work highlights the precision and artistry of Indian craftsmen. Inside the box are music collections of two of India’s most respected classical musicians. Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, a Bharat Ratna awardee, was celebrated for his powerful Hindustani classical performances. M.S. Subbulakshmi, the first musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, became internationally recognised for her Carnatic music and her memorable performance at the United Nations.x Gift For FAO Director-General: Samples Of India’s Finest Traditional Grains The gift presented to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) included representative samples of some of India’s finest and most distinctive rice varieties and grains, showcasing the country’s rich agricultural diversity and food heritage. Red Rice From Kerala Red Rice, popularly known as Matta or Palakkadan Matta, is grown in the black soil regions of Palakkad in Kerala. Recognised for its reddish-brown colour and thick texture, the rice undergoes minimal polishing, helping preserve its nutritional value. Rich in fibre, magnesium an