PM Modi’s Gift Diplomacy (2024–25)

🌍 Overview

• Modi’s “gift diplomacy” = use of Indian handicrafts, textiles & traditional art as cultural soft power.
• Themes: Prestige + Spirituality + Sustainability.
• Objectives:
  • Promote “Vocal for Local” & Atmanirbhar Bharat.
  • Strengthen bilateral ties through region-specific crafts.
  • Showcase India’s GI-tagged handicrafts & eco-friendly products.

🌎 Country-Wise Gifts

🇫🇷 France (AI Summit, Feb 2025)

• President Macron → Dokra Artwork of Musicians (Chhattisgarh; 4000-yr-old lost-wax).
• First Lady Brigitte Macron → Silver Hand-engraved Mirror (Rajasthan).

🇺🇸 USA (AI Summit sidelines, Feb 2025)

• VP J.D. Vance’s family:
  • Vivek → Wooden Railway Toy Set.
  • Ewan → Jigsaw Puzzles (Kalighat Pat, Santhal, Madhubani).
  • Mirabel → Wooden Alphabet Set (Bihar).

🇩🇪 Germany

• Chancellor Friedrich Merz → Sandstone Konark Wheel Replica (13th c., Odisha).

🇦🇺 Australia

• PM Albanese → Kolhapuri Silver Pot (Maharashtra).

🇨🇦 Canada (G7, June 2025)

• PM Mark Carney → Brass Bodhi Tree Sculpture (Bihar).
• Governor General Mary Simon → Silver Filigree Clutch (Odisha).
• Alberta Premier Danielle Smith → Ebony Wood Jali Box with Silver Nakkashi (Rajasthan).
• Lt. Governor Salma Lakhani → Papier-Mâché Box with Gold Leaf (Kashmir).

🇭🇷 Croatia (June 2025)

• President Milanović → Pattachitra Painting (Odisha).
• PM Plenković → Silver Candle Stand.

🇨🇾 Cyprus (June 2025, 1st visit in 20+ yrs)

• President Christodoulides → Kashmiri Silk Carpet (two-tone effect, vine & floral motifs).
• First Lady Philippa Karsera → Silver Clutch Purse (Andhra Pradesh, repoussé technique).

🇬🇭 Ghana (July 2025)

• President Mahama → Bidriware Vases (Karnataka).
• First Lady Lordina Mahama → Silver Filigree Purse (Odisha).
• VP Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang → Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl.
• Speaker Bagbin → Miniature Ambawari Elephant (West Bengal, ethical ivory).

🇦🇷 Argentina (July 2025)

• President Javier Milei → Hand-etched Silver Lion on Fuchsite Stone (Rajasthan).
• VP Victoria Villarruel → Madhubani Painting (Sun motif, Bihar).
• Cultural Gift → Silver Replica of Ayodhya Ram Temple (U.P.).

🇧🇷 Brazil (BRICS Summit, July 2025)

• President Lula → Cane & Bamboo Swan Boat (Meghalaya).
• India’s BRICS Chairmanship Theme (2025–26) → “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability”.

🇿🇦 South Africa

• President Ramaphosa → Dokra Brass Horse (Chhattisgarh).

🇲🇽 Mexico

• President Claudia Sheinbaum → Warli Painting (Maharashtra).

🇹🇹 Trinidad & Tobago (July 2025)

• PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar → Kalash with Sarayu River water + Pure Silver Ram Temple Replica (U.P.).

🇱🇦 Laos (ASEAN & EAS, Oct 2024)

• President Sisoulith → Brass Buddha with Mina Work (South India).
• First Lady Naly → Patan Patola Scarf (Gujarat, Sadeli Box).
• PM Siphandone → Kadamwood Embossed Buddha Head.
• PM’s spouse Vandara → Malachite & Camel Bone Box (Radha-Krishna).

🇹🇭 Thailand (BIMSTEC 2024)

• PM Shinawatra → Dokra Peacock Boat with Rider (Chhattisgarh).
• PM’s Spouse → Gold-plated Tiger Cufflinks with Pearls (Rajasthan-Gujarat Meenakari).

🇯🇵 Japan (Oct 2024)

• PM Shigeru Ishiba → Silver Nakkashi Peacock Figurine (West Bengal).

🇳🇿 New Zealand (Oct 2024)

• PM Christopher Luxon → Silver Lamp with Jhalar Work & Precious Stones (Maharashtra).

🇲🇺 Mauritius (National Day, Mar 2025)

• President Gokhool → Banaras Metal Casting Pot with Sangam Water.
• First Lady Brinda → Banarasi Saree (royal blue, silver zari, Sadeli Box).
• Other GI Gifts → Sadeli Box (Surat), Mithila Makhana (Bihar), Gangajal from Maha Kumbh 2025.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Regional Diversity – Kashmir (Pashmina, Papier-Mâché), Odisha (Tarakasi, Pattachitra), Bihar (Madhubani, Bodhi Tree, Makhana), Rajasthan (Silver, Stone craft), Chhattisgarh (Dokra), Maharashtra (Warli, Kolhapuri Silver), Bengal (Shola, Peacock figurine).
2. Symbolism – Courage (Lion), Healing (Fuchsite), Devotion (Ram Temple), Prosperity (Kalash, Bidriware), Enlightenment (Bodhi Tree, Buddha).
3. Soft Power Tool – Strengthens ties while promoting Indian artisans, GI crafts & sustainability.
4. Consistency – Blend of tradition + modernity, with eco-friendly focus.
   
   
   Updated - 8 Sept 2025 ; 8:38 PM | Multiple News Source