During his five-nation tour, the Prime Minister presented a range of GI-tagged products, traditional handicrafts, handlooms, and agricultural products to world leaders, showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and regional diversity.

Key Highlights

• The gifts reflected the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and the 5F Vision (Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Fabric, Fabric to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign).
• Several products from the Northeast Region received international attention.

Important Gifts 

• Muga Silk Stole (Assam) was gifted to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
  • It is known as Assam’s “Golden Silk” due to its natural golden sheen.
  • It is produced by the Antheraea assamensis silkworm and holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Shirui Lily Silk Stole (Manipur) highlighted the rare Shirui Lily, found only in Manipur’s Shirui Hills.
• Joha Rice (Assam) was gifted to the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization.
  • It is an indigenous aromatic rice variety grown in the Brahmaputra Valley.
  • It is renowned for its fragrance, soft texture, and premium quality.
• Meghalaya Pineapple, was gifted to the President of the United Arab Emirates.
• Loktak Tea and Chak Hao (Black Rice) from Manipur were also presented.
• • Italy PM Giorgia Meloni: Muga Silk Stole & Shirui Lily Silk Stole
    • Muga (GI tagged): It is known as Assam’s “Golden Silk” due to its natural golden sheen.
    • It is produced by the Antheraea assamensis silkworm which feeds on Som and Soalu trees.
    • Shirui Lily: Highlighted the rare bell-shaped Shirui Lily (state flower of Manipur), blooms only on Shirui Kashong peak, Manipur.
  • Italy President Sergio Mattarella: Pietra Dura (Pacchikari) marble inlay box
    • Pietra Dura: Originated in Florence, Italy; brought to India during Shah Jahan’s reign. The Taj Mahal is the supreme example.
  • Netherlands King Willem-Alexander: Blue Pottery (Jaipur)
    • GI-tagged; iconic cobalt blue, white and yellow designs. Does not use clay as base — uses quartz stone, glass and fuller’s earth — hence “blue pottery.”

• Netherlands PM Rob Jetten: Madhubani Painting (fish motif)

• • • GI-tagged folk art from Mithila region, Bihar-Nepal border area; intricate geometric patterns; traditionally painted by women on mud walls and floors.
  • Norway King Harald V: Tarakasi silver sailboat (Cuttack, Odisha)
    • Tarakasi: Ancient silver filigree art; GI-tagged; Cuttack is called the “Silver City of India” for this craft tradition dating back 500+ years.
  • Norway Queen Sonja: Pattachitra (Tala Pattachitra)
    • One of Odisha’s most ancient art forms; painted on dried palm leaf (Tala = palmyra palm); GI-tagged; depicts scenes from Jagannath mythology.
  • Sweden PM Ulf Kristersson: Ladakhi pure wool stole & Loktak tea
    • Loktak tea: Artisanal tea from hills around Loktak Lake, Manipur — the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and a Ramsar Wetland site.
  • Iceland PM Kristrun Frostadottir: Replica of Tenzing Norgay’s ice axe
    • Tribute to the tool used by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay during the first ascent of Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary on 29 May 1953.
  • UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: Rogan painting, Kesar mangoes & Meghalaya pineapples
    • Rogan: Rare textile art from Kutch, Gujarat; 
    • Kesar mango: GI-tagged, “Queen of Mangoes” from Gujarat; 
    • Meghalaya pineapple: Thrives in hilly terrain, known for its sweetness and quality.
  • Queen Mother of the UAE, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi: Chak Hao Rice

• Popularly known as “Black Rice”. Once reserved for royalty, the aromatic rice is rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre and iron.

• FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu: Five premium rice varieties
  • Joha rice (Assam), Gobindobhog rice (West Bengal), Kalanamak/”Buddha Rice” (UP), red rice (Palakkad, Kerala), and Basmati rice.

Why is it Significant?

• Such gifts act as instruments of cultural diplomacy, promoting India’s traditional crafts and agricultural products globally.
• They support local artisans, weavers, farmers, and handloom clusters.
• They help expand international recognition of GI-tagged products, boosting exports and rural livelihoods.

Exam Hook (Prelims)

Consider the following products:

1. Muga Silk
2. Joha Rice
3. Chak Hao Rice

Which of the above are associated with Northeast India?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3

One-Line Wrap

India’s gifting of products such as Muga Silk, Joha Rice, and Meghalaya Pineapple highlights the growing role of cultural diplomacy, Geographical Indication products, and regional heritage in strengthening global partnerships.