US State Department Discloses Detailed List of Gifts from Indian Leaders to American Officials
The United States State Department has officially published a comprehensive compilation of gifts presented to American leaders, including former President Joe Biden, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking Indian government officials. This report, as covered by PTI, was released by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, offering an intricate record of "gifts received from foreign government sources" during the 2024 calendar year.
Legal Requirements and Reporting Framework
According to the Office of the Chief of Protocol, the Department of State has submitted a full listing of statements filed by federal employees as mandated by law. This documentation meticulously records gifts received from foreign governments, ensuring transparency and adherence to ethical standards. For the calendar year 2024, spanning from January 1 to December 31, the minimal value threshold for reporting such gifts is set at USD 480.00.
Notable Gifts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The compilation includes both tangible items and gifts of travel exceeding minimal value. A standout entry details a gift from PM Modi to Joe Biden on September 10, 2023, consisting of a "Wood Chest, Scarf, Saffron with Jar, Wood Box for Tea" with an estimated value of USD 562. While the chest, scarf, jar, and box were transferred to the US National Archives (NARA), the perishable saffron and tea were disposed of in accordance with United States Secret Service policies.
Further enriching the list, on July 16, 2024, Modi presented Biden with a "Sterling Silver Metal Train Set" valued at approximately USD 7,750, which has since been transferred to the National Archives. This gift symbolizes the diplomatic ties between India and the US, following Biden's travel to New Delhi in September 2023 for the G20 Leaders' Summit hosted by India.
Gifts to Other American Dignitaries
The records extend to other prominent figures, highlighting the cultural and diplomatic exchanges. Former First Lady Jill Biden received a "Pashmina Shawl" from PM Modi on October 21, 2024, estimated at USD 2,969 and transferred to the National Archives. Similarly, former Vice President Kamala Harris was gifted a "Lord Krishna Raas Leela Silver Box" on October 18, 2024, valued at $1,330 and also transferred to NARA.
Harris's husband, former Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, received cufflinks from Modi on the same date, estimated at $585.65, which were similarly archived. Additionally, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval gifted a "Kashmir Pashmina Scarf with Box" to then Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jacob Sullivan on August 23, 2024, valued at USD 599.00 and transferred to the General Services Administration (GSA).
Gifts from Indian Defence Minister
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also features in the report, having gifted a "Shiva Nataraja Bronze Statue" to then Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin on November 24, 2022. This item, with an estimated value of USD 3,700.00, is noted as pending transfer to the GSA, underscoring the ongoing process of archiving such diplomatic presents.
Justification for Gift Acceptance
Under a section titled "Circumstances justifying acceptance" of the gifts, the report clarifies that non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to both the donor and the United States. This rationale highlights the delicate balance in international diplomacy, where refusing gifts could strain bilateral relations.
This disclosure not only sheds light on the material aspects of Indo-US relations but also emphasizes the protocols in place for handling foreign gifts, ensuring they are managed with integrity and transparency.
