New Delhi: When Russian president Vladimir Putin left New Delhi on Friday night, he was carrying at least six gifts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
These included the Bhagavad Gita in Russian that the Indian Prime Minister personally presented to the Russian premier.
Apart from that Putin received a pack of fine Assam black tea. The literature attached to the pack mentions that this tea, grown in the fertile Brahmaputra plains, is prized for its robust malty flavour, bright liquor, and traditional processing using the assamica variety.
Assam black tea was recognized with a GI tag in 2007 and it represents a rich heritage shaped by land, climate, and craft. Beyond its cultural legacy, it is also valued for potential health benefits, making each cup both comforting and wholesome.
Where there is tea, there has to be a team set. Hence, an ornate silver tea set was also gifted to the Russian president. This Murshidabad silver tea set, crafted with intricate engravings, reflects the rich artistry of West Bengal and the deep cultural importance of tea in both India and Russia.
In both societies, tea is a symbol of warmth, connection, and shared stories. Gifted with affection, the set celebrates the enduring India–Russia friendship and the timeless ritual of tea, it has been mentioned.
Prime Minister Modi also gifted Putin a silver horse. The handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, adorned with intricate detailing, showcases the finesse of India’s metal craft traditions.
“Symbolising dignity and valour celebrated in both Indian and Russian cultures, it reflects shared heritage and mutual respect. Its poised, forward-moving stance serves as a metaphor for the enduring and ever-advancing India–Russia partnership,” it has been mentioned.
Another exquisite item was a marble chess set from Agra. The gift blends fine craftsmanship with functional elegance, highlighting the region’s stone inlay heritage under the “One District One Product (ODOP)” initiative.
The set features individually inlaid motifs, contrasting stone chessmen, and a chequered marble board framed by floral designs, it exemplifies north Indian artistry. The combination of marble, wood, and semi-precious stones creates a visually striking and tactilely pleasing décor and game piece, the government has said.
The sixth item received by Putin was Kashmiri Saffron. Locally known as Kong or Zaffran, it is cultivated in the highlands of Kashmir and is prized for its rich color, aroma, and flavour. It holds deep cultural and culinary significance.
Kashmiri saffron is protected by GI and ODOP recognition and represents heritage, traditional hand-harvesting, and economic value for local farmers. It is also renowned for its health benefits.
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