From silk stoles for Meloni to Kesar mangoes for UAE: What PM Narendra Modi gifted leaders across 5 nations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to India after completing a five-nation visit that included Italy, the UAE, the Netherlands, Sweden and Norway. Alongside diplomatic engagements, the visit also stood out for the carefully curated gifts he presented to global leaders, each rooted in India’s regional identity and craftsmanship.

Northeast silks for Italy PM

In Italy, Modi chose to highlight India’s northeastern heritage through his gifts to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She was presented with two traditional stoles, one made from Assam’s Muga silk, known for its natural golden sheen and durability, and another inspired by the Shirui Lily of Manipur. The latter carries cultural significance for the Tangkhul Naga community and symbolises purity and pride.

Meloni also shared a lighter moment from the visit, posting a video featuring a packet of Melody toffee gifted by Modi.

Also Read | PM Modi’s Melody gift to Giorgia Meloni sparks fresh ‘Melodi’ memes

Traditional art and jewellery for Netherlands

During his Netherlands leg, Modi gifted a Madhubani painting to Prime Minister Rob Jetten, showcasing the storytelling art form from Bihar’s Mithila region. The Dutch royal family also received items reflecting Indian craftsmanship. King Willem-Alexander was given Jaipur’s blue pottery, while Queen Máxima received Meenakari and Kundan earrings, known for their intricate enamel work and gemstone setting.

Classical music and heritage craft in Italy

Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella was gifted a marble inlay work box from Agra, featuring CDs of renowned Indian classical vocalists Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and MS Subbulakshmi. The craft, known as Pacchikari, reflects a shared artistic legacy with Florence.

The Director-General of the FAO was presented with a selection of Indian agricultural produce, including red rice, Gobindobhog rice, basmati, Joha rice, Kalanamak rice and millets.

Also Read | ‘Special Strategic Partnership’: India, Italy upgrade ties as PM Modi, Giorgia Meloni plant tree in Rome

Tagore’s legacy for Sweden

In Sweden, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson received a set of gifts centred around cultural and literary heritage. These included a Shantiniketan messenger bag, Loktak tea, a Ladakh Pashmina shawl, and works by Rabindranath Tagore.

Fruits and rare crafts for UAE

For UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Modi selected Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapple, along with a Rogan painting from Gujarat’s Kutch region. The Queen Mother, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, was gifted a Karimnagar filigree box and Maheshwari silk fabric.

The selection across countries reflected a consistent theme, presenting India’s local traditions and craftsmanship on a global stage.