Kalamkari, Pochampally Among PM’s Gifts Abroad

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of traditional Indian artefacts and textiles to world leaders during his visit to France and Slovakia, highlighting regional crafts and cultural heritage.

During his visit to France, Modi gifted French President Emmanuel Macron a Kalamkari Mahabharata painting from Andhra Pradesh. The artwork, created using traditional pen-drawing techniques, depicts scenes from the Mahabharata and took nearly six months to complete, officials said. He also presented Brigitte Macron with a Pochampally silk stole, a handwoven textile from Telangana known for its Ikat resist-dyeing technique and geometric patterns.

Narendra Modi attended the G7 Summit during the visit and held discussions with global leaders, including Donald Trump, on bilateral and international issues before returning to New Delhi on Friday.

In Slovakia, Modi gifted Prime Minister Robert Fico a Kashmiri silk carpet, a hand-knotted craft from the Srinagar region known for intricate floral and paisley designs. Slovak President Peter Pellegrini was presented with a brass Dokra antelope set, reflecting the traditional metal-casting craft practised by tribal artisans in central and eastern India.

He also gifted Pellegrini a Himroo silk tie and pocket square set from Aurangabad, noted for its silk-cotton weave and reversible design, along with handcrafted Thewa motif cufflinks from Rajasthan’s Pratapgarh district, both recognised under Geographical Indication status.

Speaker of the Slovak Parliament Richard Rasi was presented copies of the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita, ancient Indian texts on medicine and surgery, along with Thekua, a traditional sweet from Bihar and Jharkhand.

The exchanges formed part of the Prime Minister’s week-long visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and showcasing India’s cultural and artisanal heritage.