Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's artistic excellence, traditional craftsmanship and ancient knowledge systems through a carefully curated selection of gifts presented to leaders and dignitaries during his recent visit to France and Slovakia.
The gifts ranged from hand-painted artworks and handwoven textiles to tribal metal crafts and classical Ayurvedic manuscripts, offering a glimpse into the country's diverse cultural traditions. PM Modi returned to New Delhi on Friday after completing the two-nation visit.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit injected fresh momentum into the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership while expanding cooperation across several strategic and economic sectors.
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Traditional Indian art meets global diplomacy
French President Emmanuel Macron received a hand-crafted Kalamkari painting from Andhra Pradesh depicting scenes from the Mahabharata. Created using the traditional pen-drawing technique, the artwork reportedly took nearly six months to complete. The painting reflects themes such as duty, justice, courage and moral decision-making that are central to the epic.
PM Modi gifts Kalamkari Mahabharata Painting to French President Emmanuel Macron ANI
France's First Lady, Brigitte Macron, was presented with a Pochampally Silk Stole from Telangana. Known for its distinctive Ikat resist-dyeing process, the textile features detailed geometric and floral motifs and is regarded as one of India's finest handwoven crafts.
Kashmiri, Dokra and Himroo crafts gifted in Slovakia
During the Slovakia leg of the visit, Prime Minister Robert Fico was gifted a Kashmiri Silk Carpet, a hand-knotted craft renowned for its intricate workmanship. Made from natural silk, the carpet showcases floral and paisley-inspired patterns that reflect Kashmir's rich artistic heritage.
Slovak President Peter Pellegrini received a Brass Dokra Antelope Set, representing the ancient metal-casting tradition practised by tribal artisans across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Produced using the lost-wax technique, each piece is unique.
Kashmiri Silk Carpet, Brass Dokra Antelope Set, Thewa Motif Cufflinks, Himroo Silk Tie and Pocket Square set ANI
Pellegrini was also presented with a Himroo Silk Tie and Pocket Square set from Aurangabad, along with handcrafted from Rajasthan's Pratapgarh region, known for its rare gold-on-glass jewellery-making tradition.
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Ancient Ayurvedic knowledge shared with Slovak parliament speaker
Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Rai received copies of the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita, two of Ayurveda's most influential texts. While the Charaka Samhita focuses on health, disease and well-being, the Susruta Samhita is widely recognised for its detailed documentation of surgical procedures and medical practices.
PM Modi gifts Susruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita to Slovakian Speaker Richard Rai /ANI
Rai was also gifted Thekua, a traditional sweet delicacy associated with Chhath Puja and popular in Bihar and Jharkhand.
PM Modi gifts Thekua to Slovakian Speaker Richard Rai /ANI
Focus on innovation and strategic cooperation
The cultural gifts accompanied a series of high-level engagements in France and Slovakia centred on innovation, technology, economic collaboration and strategic partnerships.
Reflecting on the visit, PM Modi described the France leg as "extensive" in terms of both engagements and outcomes. His schedule included programmes in Nice, the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, VivaTech 2026 in Paris and meetings with business leaders.
The Prime Minister also expressed confidence that the India-France relationship would grow stronger in the years ahead.
