The image was almost too easy to share. Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a packet of Parle Melody, the syrupy “very, very chocolaty” toffee sold in every Indian corner shop. She could not resist posting a video, smiling as she savored the name as much as the candy. “Prime Minister Modi brought us a gift,” she said, “a very, very good toffee — Melody.” The moment on May 20 in Rome instantly went viral.
This was no isolated flourish. During the same five-nation tour in mid-May 2026, which took him through the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, Modi presented carefully selected Indian items to his hosts. A Madhubani painting with a fish motif went to Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten. A Ladakhi pure wool stole reached Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. To Meloni, he also offered Muga silk stoles from Assam and textiles inspired by Manipur’s Shirui Lily.
These gestures advance the “Vocal for Local” vision while supporting government initiatives such as One District One Product, PM Vishwakarma and TRIFED. They humanise India’s global image, build cultural familiarity and quietly open pathways for exports. In an era of strategic summits and economic deals, these vivid pieces of Indian heritage carry a larger message: civilisational depth and artisan pride traveling with the nation on the world stage.
Let’s Quiz!
The quiz is about the wonderful cultural treasures of India that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has gifted to world leaders.
· This traditional art form from eastern India is painted on specially prepared cloth using natural pigments derived from minerals, stones, and organic materials. Closely associated with the Jagannath cult, its themes often depict Krishna Leela, Ramayana episodes, and temple rituals. Identify the art form.
· This celebrated handicraft from Karnataka is produced using a unique alloy of zinc and copper, later inlaid with fine silver designs. Originating in the medieval Bahmani Sultanate, it is renowned for its striking black-and-silver contrast and is often crafted into elegant vases and decorative artefacts. Identify it.
· This exquisite handicraft from Odisha is created by twisting fine silver wires into delicate lace-like patterns. Originating in Cuttack, it requires exceptional precision and craftsmanship. Often fashioned into replicas of ships, temples and decorative artefacts, this celebrated GI-tagged craft is known by what name?
· This exquisite craft from Rajasthan’s Pratapgarh region involves fusing intricately designed 23-carat gold sheets onto specially coloured glass. Patronised by Rajput royalty, it is renowned for depicting floral, royal and mythological motifs and is today fashioned into elegant jewellery and accessories such as cufflinks. Identify it.
· This rare art form from Gujarat’s Kutch region is created by hand-painting castor oil-based colours onto fabric using a metal stylus. Practised by only a handful of artisan families, it is especially known for its intricate Tree of Life motif, symbolising growth, harmony, and interconnectedness. Identify it.
India’s Timeless Gift Palette
· Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Sandalwood sitar to French President Emmanuel Macron as a goodwill gesture. This decorative Sitar carries images of Goddess Saraswati.
· Traditional Kashmiri and Dokra crafts gifted to Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Alongside the carpet, traditional Dokra artefacts, crafted using the ancient lost-wax metal casting technique.
· Modi gifted an Assam Muga silk stole, known as the “Golden Silk,” along with a Shirui Lily-inspired silk stole from Manipur, handcrafted by the Tangkhul Naga community to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
· A ceremonial dagger adorned with intricate Koftgari craftsmanship, reflecting Rajasthan’s warrior legacy, artistic excellence and centuries-old metalworking traditions.
· Jaipur’s iconic GI-tagged Blue Pottery, presented to King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, showcasing Rajasthan’s vibrant artistic traditions.
· Presented to Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, a replica of Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s iconic ice axe from the 1953 Everest expedition.
· Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Raši was gifted Thekua, a traditional sweet delicacy from Bihar and Jharkhand, symbolising India’s rich culinary heritage, regional diversity and vibrant cultural traditions.
The Mirror of History
· Jawaharlal Nehru: Famous for his “elephant diplomacy,” Nehru gifted Indian elephants to several countries, including Japan, Germany, and Canada, using them as symbols of friendship and international goodwill, often in response to requests from children.
· Manmohan Singh: As Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh continued India’s tradition of cultural diplomacy by presenting gifts that reflected the country’s artistic excellence and craftsmanship. During a state visit, he gifted U.S. President George W. Bush a beautifully crafted marble tabletop inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones. Beyond this, diplomatic exchanges during his tenure frequently included intricately carved sculptures, handwoven carpets, traditional paintings, decorative vases and other handcrafted artefacts.
· Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi: They used Indian textiles, handlooms and handicrafts as diplomatic gifts to showcase India’s artisanal traditions globally. Their presents — handwoven silks, artworks and handicrafts highlighted regional diversity and strengthened bilateral ties.
· Atal Bihari Vajpayee: During his diplomatic engagements, Vajpayee emphasised India’s rich cultural heritage through thoughtful gifts. Notably, he presented a traditional Indian silk carpet to U.S. President Bill Clinton, reflecting India’s renowned craftsmanship and longstanding tradition of cultural diplomacy.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: deccanchronicle.com
