Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently on a 5-nation tour. He visited countries including Italy, Norway, Sweden, the UAE and the Netherlands. Apart from the diplomatic talks, what grabbed everyone’s attention were the thoughtful gifts PM Modi presented to each leader. Here’s a look at what he gifted!
What Did PM Modi Gift Leaders During His 5-Nation Tour?
Italy
In Italy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift of Melody toffees to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni created quite a buzz. Apart from this, he also gifted her two elegant silk stoles. One was made from Assam’s famous Eri silk, while the other drew inspiration from Manipur’s rare Shirui Lily flower.
He also gifted Italian President Sergio Mattarella a marble inlay box inspired by Agra’s Pietra Dura art along with CDs of Indian classical legends Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and M. S. Subbulakshmi.
Norway
During his visit to Norway, PM Modi gifted Crown Prince Haakon a Kalamkari painting from Andhra Pradesh featuring Sun and Moon motifs. He also gave Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre orchid paintings and decorative orchid paperweights from Sikkim. Queen Sonja was gifted a detailed palm-leaf Pattachitra artwork from Odisha.
Also Read: What Is ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, The Green Initiative Highlighted By PM Modi & Meloni In Rome?
UAE
In the UAE, PM Modi gave the gifts a touch of Gujarat’s heritage. He gifted President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan a traditional Rogan painting featuring the Tree of Life motif. PM Modi also presented him with Kesar mangoes and Meghalaya pineapples. The UAE Crown Prince received a traditional Koftgari dagger from Rajasthan.
Netherlands
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima were presented with Jaipur blue pottery. PM Modi also gifted Queen Maxima exquisite Meenakari and Kundan earrings from Rajasthan. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten received a Madhubani painting with a fish motif from Bihar’s Mithila region.
Sweden
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was gifted a handcrafted leather bag from Shantiniketan, books by Rabindranath Tagore and Loktak tea from Manipur. Crown Princess Victoria received PM Modi’s book “Convenient Action: Continuity for Change” along with a Ladakhi pashmina stole.
What Is Joha Rice?
Among all the gifts, the one gift by PM created curiosity among everyone, Joha rice. PM Modi gifted a sample of Joha rice to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO). This rice is a famous and unique variety from Assam. It is one of the state’s oldest traditional rice varieties and is deeply connected to Assamese food culture.
This GI-tagged rice is mainly grown in Assam’s Jorhat, Sivasagar, Golaghat, Darrang and Nagaon regions. Heavy rainfall, humid weather and nutrient-rich alluvial soil in these areas help develop its signature aroma and taste.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ @narendramodi & Canva Pro/ kumarsu6745_
FAQs
What did PM Modi gift Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni?
PM Modi gifted Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Melody toffees along with two elegant silk stoles inspired.