Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to New Delhi with a carefully selected array of gifts that beautifully encapsulated India's rich cultural tapestry and heritage. The presentation took place during President Putin's two-day official visit to India for a special edition of the 23rd India–Russia Annual Summit.
Symbolic Gifts Strengthening India-Russia Ties
The gifts, chosen with deep symbolic meaning, were not merely diplomatic formalities but represented the shared values and growing partnership between the two nations. This summit marked President Putin's first visit to India since December 2021 and his first since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. The visit was packed with high-level engagements, including a joint statement by the two leaders and the signing of several trade and business agreements.
A Closer Look at the Thoughtful Presents
The collection of gifts showcased India's diversity, from its spiritual philosophy to its world-renowned craftsmanship and agricultural excellence.
A Russian Edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita: Prime Minister Modi presented President Putin with a copy of this sacred Hindu scripture translated into Russian. The text, part of the epic Mahabharata, contains Lord Krishna's profound teachings to Arjuna on duty, righteousness, and the nature of the soul. This gift underscores the timeless spiritual wisdom India offers to the world.
GI-Tagged Fine Assam Tea: The gift included premium Assam black tea, grown in the fertile Brahmaputra plains. Known for its robust flavour and vibrant colour, this tea received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag back in 2007. It is celebrated not just as a beverage but for its cultural significance and numerous health benefits.
Kashmiri Saffron: Recognised as one of the most expensive spices globally, the gifted Kashmiri saffron—locally called Kong or Zaffran—boasts both GI and One District One Product (ODOP) tags. Hand-harvested in the highlands of Kashmir, this 'red gold' is prized for its intense colour, aroma, and flavour, and plays a crucial role in supporting local farming communities.
Ornate Murshidabad Silver Tea Set: This exquisite tea set from West Bengal, featuring intricate hand engravings, highlights India's exceptional artisanal traditions. It also nods to the important tea-drinking culture cherished in both India and Russia, serving as a common social thread.
Handcrafted Silver Horse from Maharashtra: Adding to the list was a meticulously crafted silver horse, showcasing fine Indian metalwork. In the cultures of both countries, the horse is a powerful symbol of dignity, strength, and valour. Its forward-leaning posture was interpreted as representing the strong and steadily advancing partnership between India and Russia.
Summit Culminates with Presidential Dinner
President Putin concluded his significant diplomatic trip on Friday with a special dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The 23rd annual India–Russia summit continues a bilateral tradition that has been unbroken since the year 2000, highlighting the long-standing and strategic relationship between the two nations. The exchange of these meaningful gifts served to reinforce the deep cultural and diplomatic bonds, setting a positive tone for future collaboration.
