PM Modi presents Muga silk, Himalayan orchid art as gifts to five nations

Cultural diplomacy through handcrafted gifts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen traditional Indian crafts as state gifts for leaders of five neighbouring nations. The selection includes Muga silk from Assam and artwork made from Himalayan orchids, highlighting India's regional artistry.

The gifts were presented during recent diplomatic visits. Officials said the items were curated to reflect the cultural ties India shares with each country.

Muga silk: Assam's golden thread

Muga silk, known for its natural golden sheen, is produced only in Assam. It is a GI-tagged product and carries centuries of weaving tradition. The fabric was presented to the Bhutanese monarch and the Bangladeshi prime minister.

This silk is prized for its durability and lustre. It is often used in traditional Assamese attire and ceremonial garments.

Himalayan orchid art: A fragile treasure

The gifts also included pressed orchid artwork sourced from the Himalayan region. The orchids were collected and preserved by local artisans in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. These pieces were given to the Sri Lankan and Maldivian presidents.

Orchids from this region are known for their rare varieties. The artwork aims to draw attention to the biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

Symbolism in each selection

The choice of gifts was deliberate. Muga silk represents Assam's heritage and the Northeast's textile legacy. Himalayan orchids symbolise India's ecological wealth and the skill of its tribal artisans.

A Nepali delegation received a brass statue of a dancing Nataraja, crafted by Tamil Nadu sculptors. The statue stands about two feet tall and is a replica of a Chola-period artefact.

Overall, the gifts covered four distinct craft traditions: silk weaving, botanical art, metal sculpture, and textile design.

Reception and response

Recipients have acknowledged the gifts publicly. The Bhutanese king said the Muga silk would be used in a ceremonial robe. The Sri Lankan president described the orchid art as "a window into India's natural beauty."

Indian officials said the gifts were not merely diplomatic tokens but carried a message of shared cultural roots. The Ministry of External Affairs coordinated the selection with the Ministry of Textiles and state governments.

These presents are part of a broader effort to promote India's soft power. Recent years have seen a push to export handloom and handicraft products through trade fairs and diplomatic channels.

Customs and tradition remain central to India's foreign outreach. The choice of Muga silk and orchid art reflects a shift toward region-specific, artisan-made items rather than mass-produced souvenirs.

Whether this leads to increased commercial interest in these crafts is yet to be seen. But for now, the gifts have put a spotlight on Assam's weavers and Himalayan flower artists.