US State Department Discloses Comprehensive List of Gifts from Indian Officials to American Leaders
The United States State Department has officially released a detailed compilation of gifts presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other high-ranking Indian government officials to US leaders and officials. This comprehensive listing, submitted by the Office of the Chief of Protocol within the Department of State, covers the calendar year 2024 and is part of the mandatory reporting of "gifts received from foreign government sources."
Legal Requirements and Protocol Behind Gift Disclosures
Under stringent US federal law, all federal employees are required to file reports for gifts that exceed minimal value, which was set at $480.00 for the year 2024. The protocol mandates this transparency to maintain ethical standards in international diplomacy. Interestingly, the report explicitly notes that the "non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to donor and US," highlighting the delicate balance between protocol and diplomatic courtesy in such exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi's Significant Gifts to Former President Joe Biden
The listings reveal several notable items gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former US President Joe Biden. On September 10, 2023, during President Biden's visit to New Delhi for the G20 Leaders’ Summit, he received a gift package described as a "Wood Chest, Scarf, Saffron with Jar, Wood Box for Tea." This collection had an estimated total value of $562. According to the report, the wooden chest, scarf, jar, and box were transferred to the US National Archives (NARA) for preservation, while the saffron and tea were "disposed of pursuant" to established Secret Service policies.
In a more recent exchange on July 16, 2024, PM Modi presented President Biden with an exquisite "Sterling Silver Metal Train Set," valued at an impressive $7,750. This valuable item has also been transferred to the National Archives, ensuring its safekeeping as part of historical diplomatic records.
Gifts to Other Prominent US Administration Figures
The gift-giving extended beyond the President to other key figures in the US administration. Former First Lady Jill Biden received a luxurious "Pashmina Shawl" from Prime Minister Modi on October 21, 2024, with an estimated value of $2,969. This elegant shawl has been transferred to the National Archives alongside other diplomatic artifacts.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris was gifted a "Lord Krishna Raas Leela Silver Box" on October 18, 2024, valued at $1,330. Her husband, Douglas Emhoff, received a pair of cufflinks estimated at $585.65. Both these items have been transferred to the National Archives, reflecting their cultural and diplomatic significance.
Gifts from Other Indian Officials to US Counterparts
The report also includes gifts from other senior Indian officials to their American counterparts. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval presented Jacob Sullivan, the US National Security Advisor, with a "Kashmir Pashmina Scarf with Box" on August 23, 2024. This gift, valued at $599.00, was "Transferred to GSA" (General Services Administration) for proper handling.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gifted a "Shiva Nataraja Bronze Statue" to US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on November 24, 2022. With an estimated value of $3,700.00, this significant artifact's disposition is currently listed as "Pending Transfer to GSA," indicating ongoing administrative processes.
Implications and Transparency in International Diplomacy
This disclosure underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in international diplomatic relations. The meticulous documentation and transfer of these gifts to national archives not only comply with legal requirements but also preserve the cultural and historical essence of Indo-US diplomatic engagements. The varied nature of the gifts—from traditional Indian artifacts like pashmina shawls and bronze statues to unique items like silver train sets—reflects the rich cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
