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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India's rich artistic, textile and intellectual heritage through a range of traditional gifts presented to leaders and dignitaries during his recent visit to France and Slovakia. The gifts, which included a hand-crafted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting, ancient Ayurvedic texts, handwoven textiles and tribal artworks, reflected India's diverse cultural traditions and craftsmanship.
PM Modi returned to New Delhi on Friday after concluding his two-nation visit. The ministry of external affairs said the visit added fresh momentum to the India-France Special Global Strategic Partnership and strengthened cooperation across key sectors.
Kalamkari artwork for Macron, Pochampally stole for First Lady
French President Emmanuel Macron received a hand-crafted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting from Andhra Pradesh.
Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to French President Emmanuel Macron
The artwork took nearly six months to complete and was created using traditional pen-drawing techniques. It depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and explores themes of duty, justice, courage and moral choice. Brigitte Macron was gifted a Pochampally Silk Stole from Telangana.
Gift given by PM Narendra Modi to Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron
The handwoven textile is crafted using the traditional Ikat resist-dyeing technique and is known for its intricate geometric and floral patterns, fine craftsmanship and elegant design.
Traditional Kashmiri and Dokra crafts gifted in Slovakia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico received a Kashmiri Silk Carpet, one of the Valley's most celebrated hand-knotted crafts.
Gift given by PM Modi to PM of Slovakia Robert Fico
The carpet is made from natural silk and features intricate floral, paisley, vine and medallion motifs inspired by Kashmir's artistic traditions and natural beauty. President Peter Pellegrini was presented with a Brass Dokra Antelope Set, showcasing the ancient Dokra metal-casting tradition practised by tribal artisans in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini
Crafted using the lost-wax casting technique, each piece is unique and reflects themes of nature, folklore and rural life. Pellegrini was also gifted a Himroo Silk Tie and Pocket Square set from Aurangabad.
Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini
The textile, woven from a silk-cotton blend, is known for its reversible weave, soft texture and intricate floral and paisley motifs. Additionally, he received handcrafted Thewa Motif Cufflinks from Rajasthan's Pratapgarh region.
Gift given by PM Modi to President of Slovakia Peter Pellegrini
The cufflinks feature finely engraved gold sheets fused onto coloured glass using the rare Thewa jewellery-making technique.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts presented to Slovak Speaker
Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Raši was gifted copies of the Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita, two foundational texts of Ayurveda.
Gifts given by PM Modi to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Raši
The Charaka Samhita, attributed to Acharya Charaka, presents a systematic understanding of health, disease, physiology and well-being and remains an important source of medical knowledge. The Susruta Samhita, attributed to the physician Susruta, is regarded as one of the earliest and most significant works on surgery. It documents advanced surgical procedures, instruments, anatomy and medical treatments, including reconstructive techniques such as rhinoplasty. Raši was also presented with Thekua, a traditional sweet snack from Bihar and Jharkhand made from wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, fennel seeds and ghee.
Thekua gifted to Speaker of Slovakia Richard Raši by PM Modi
Widely associated with Chhath Puja, the delicacy is known for its long shelf life and cultural significance.
Visit focused on innovation and strategic ties
The gifts formed part of PM Modi's engagements in France and Slovakia, where discussions focused on innovation, technology, economic cooperation and strategic partnerships. PM Modi described the France visit as "extensive" in terms of both engagements and outcomes, covering programmes in Nice, the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, VivaTech 2026 in Paris and meetings with business leaders. The Prime Minister said the India-France friendship would become even stronger in the years ahead.
Read the full article at Times of India →📄Source document: Ministry of External Affairs
5 reports
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days agoPrime Minister Narendra Modi presented traditional Indian gifts to French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron, including a hand-crafted Kalamkari Mahabharata painting and a Pochampally Silk Stole. These gifts were intended to showcase India's cultural heritage. The article also mentions Modi's recent diplomatic visits to France and Slovakia, which aimed to strengthen strategic partnerships.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the gifts and their cultural significance without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on the symbolic gesture of showcasing India's heritage rather than making political claims or criticisms.
Official sources cited
- government Ministry of External Affairs
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter5 days ago PM Modi's trip a signal about Delhi’s reading of fractured Europe as well as SlovakiaPrime Minister Narendra Modi visited Slovakia, marking the first such visit by an Indian leader in 33 years. The visit aimed to strengthen bilateral relations, with both countries deciding to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership. During his visit, Modi met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. The visit highlighted India's interest in engaging with a European nation that is balancing relations between Western and Eastern powers.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of diplomatic interactions without overtly favoring any political perspective. It focuses on the strategic significance of the visit and the elevation of bilateral relations without using biased language or selective sourcing.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter5 days ago India & Slovakia upgrade ties, seek reform of global bodiesIndia and Slovakia have upgraded their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Slovakia. The two countries discussed expanding cooperation in defense, security, artificial intelligence, space, and civil nuclear energy. Modi was awarded Slovakia's highest civilian honor, the Order of the White Double Cross (1st Class). Both leaders emphasized the need for reform of global institutions, including the United Nations and the UN Security Council, to better address 21st-century challenges.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about diplomatic relations and policy discussions without overtly favoring any political perspective. It reports on agreements and statements made by officials without using biased language or omitting key perspectives.
Official sources cited
- government Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- government Slovak President Peter Pellegrini
The Indian ExpressIndependentCenter5 days agoIndia and Slovakia have elevated their bilateral relations to a 'comprehensive partnership,' marking a significant step in their diplomatic engagement.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an official upgrade in diplomatic relations between two countries without apparent ideological framing or biased language. It does not take a stance on the significance of the partnership or imply any political judgment.
Official sources cited
- press release India and Slovakia elevate bilateral ties to ‘comprehensive partnership’
Business StandardIndependent🔒Center6 days agoIndia and Slovakia have elevated their bilateral relations, focusing on deepening cooperation in manufacturing and technology.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an agreement between two countries to enhance cooperation in manufacturing and technology without taking a stance or using biased language.
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