Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-nation visit to France and Slovakia was marked not only by diplomatic engagements but also by a showcase of India’s diverse cultural legacy through carefully chosen gifts for world leaders.
The gifts reflected India’s artistic traditions, ancient knowledge systems, regional crafts and centuries-old craftsmanship, turning cultural diplomacy into a key element of international outreach. PM Modi returned to Delhi on Friday after concluding his two-nation visit to France and Slovakia.
1. Kalamkari Mahabharata Painting for French President Emmanuel Macron
Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a Kalamkari Mahabharata Painting to French President Emmanuel Macron. The hand-crafted artwork from Andhra Pradesh represents India’s rich artistic heritage and took nearly six months to complete. Created using traditional pen-drawing techniques, the painting depicts scenes from the Mahabharata, the ancient Indian epic centred around themes of duty, justice, courage and moral choices. The artwork also highlights the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna guides Arjuna on responsibility, self-discipline and inner strength. Beyond storytelling, the painting reflects values of ethical leadership, peace, wisdom and human dignity.
PM Modi Gifted Kalamkari Mahabharata Painting to French President
This hand-crafted Kalamkari painting from Andhra Pradesh showcases India’s rich artistic heritage and took nearly six months to complete. Created using traditional pen-drawing techniques, it depicts scenes from… pic.twitter.com/tpDZLTZIp2
— IANS (@ians_india) June 19, 2026
2. Pochampally Silk Stole for Brigitte Macron
PM Modi gifted a Pochampally Silk Stole to Brigitte Macron, wife of French President Emmanuel Macron. The handwoven textile from Telangana is created using the traditional Ikat resist-dyeing technique. Known for its geometric and floral patterns, fine craftsmanship and elegant design, the stole represents India’s textile heritage. Its combination of tradition, creativity and artistry connects strongly with France’s appreciation for fashion, art and skilled craftsmanship.
3. Kashmiri Silk Carpet for Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico
The Prime Minister gifted a Kashmiri Silk Carpet to Slovakia Prime Minister Robert Fico. The carpet is a traditional hand-knotted craft from the Kashmir Valley, especially the Srinagar region. Made from high-quality natural silk, it features intricate floral, paisley, vine and medallion designs inspired by local artistic traditions. Created by skilled artisans, these carpets require months or even years of work due to their detailed knotting and craftsmanship.
PM Modi Gifted Kashmiri Silk Carpet to Prime Minister of Slovakia
The Kashmiri Silk Carpet is a prestigious hand-knotted craft from the Kashmir Valley, especially the Srinagar region. Crafted from high-quality natural silk, it is known for its intricate floral, paisley, vine,… pic.twitter.com/JT4u0Ns6qR
— IANS (@ians_india) June 19, 2026
4. Himroo Silk Tie and Pocket Square for Slovakia President Peter Pellegrini
PM Modi gifted a Himroo Silk Tie and Pocket Square to Slovakia President Peter Pellegrini. The set represents the traditional weaving craft of Aurangabad. Made from a silk-cotton blend, Himroo is known for its reversible weave, soft texture and subtle shine. Featuring floral and paisley patterns, the textile developed under Deccan court patronage and became a symbol of refined luxury craftsmanship. Recognised with Geographical Indication (GI) status and included in the ODOP initiative for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Himroo remains an important cultural and economic heritage craft.
5. Thewa Motif Cufflinks for Peter Pellegrini
PM Modi also gifted Handcrafted Thewa Motif Cufflinks to Peter Pellegrini. The cufflinks represent the traditional jewellery craft of Pratapgarh and are created using the rare Thewa technique. The craft involves finely engraved gold sheets fused onto coloured glass, producing intricate designs inspired by nature and symbolism. Preserved by artisan families, Thewa is recognised with GI status and included in the ODOP initiative, representing Rajasthan’s unique craftsmanship.
6. Charaka Samhita for Slovakia Speaker Richard Rasi
He gifted Charaka Samhita to Slovakia Speaker Richard Rasi. Charaka Samhita is an ancient Indian medical text and a foundational work of Ayurveda attributed to Acharya Charaka. It presents knowledge related to health, disease, human physiology and well-being developed over centuries. The text represents India’s scientific and intellectual heritage and continues to remain significant in global scholarly discussions on medicine.
7. Susruta Samhita for Richard Rasi
The PM also gifted Susruta Samhita to Richard Rasi. The ancient Ayurvedic text attributed to physician Susruta is considered one of the earliest major works on surgery. It describes surgical techniques, medical instruments, anatomy and treatments, including reconstructive procedures like rhinoplasty. The text also covers internal medicine, toxicology, paediatrics, nutrition and preventive healthcare.
8. Thekua for Richard Rasi
PM Modi gifted traditional sweet snack Thekua to Richard Rasi. Thekua, associated with Bihar and Jharkhand, is prepared using wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, fennel seeds and ghee. It is especially linked with festivals, particularly Chhath Puja, and is known for its simple ingredients, long shelf life and traditional homemade taste.