New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented an variety of culturally meaningful gifts to Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing India’s diverse heritage and the shared warmth between New Delhi and Moscow. The gesture reflected bilateral trust, long-standing friendship and worsening strategic cooperation during Putin’s two-day state visit.
Fine Assam Black Tea
Grown in the Brahmaputra plains, Assam Black Tea-awarded a GI tag in 2007-symbolizes India’s cultural legacy, craftsmanship and global tea identity. Known for its malty flavour and unexceptionable liquor, it moreover promotes wellness.
Ornate Murshidabad Silver Tea Set
A finely engraved silver tea set from West Bengal celebrates the shared ritual of tea in both countries, symbolizing warmth, tradition and hospitality in India–Russia ties.Its intricate floral engravings highlight Bengal’s centuries-old silver craftsmanship and royal serving traditions.The set reflects cultural bonding where a cup of tea becomes the start of trust and conversation. It moreover promotes India’s artisanal heritage and the skill of local makers to the global stage.
Handcrafted Silver Horse
Representing nobility and valour, the Maharashtra-crafted silver horse signifies the forward-moving partnership between India and Russia, ornate with fine detailing and traditional artistry. Its dynamic stance expresses strength, valiance and a transferral to future cooperation. The silver finish mirrors purity and integrity in diplomatic relations between the two nations.This piece stands as a token of resilience, reflecting how both countries protract to support each other.
Marble Chess Set from Agra
Featuring inlaid motifs and contrasting chessmen, the marble chessboard highlights North India’s stone-inlay heritage under the ODOP initiative-combining artistry, strategy and culture. The game of chess itself, born in warmed-over India, represents intelligence, vision and defence ties. Every piece in the set showcases patient craftsmanship, where artisans whittle precision into stone. Its presence signifies that India–Russia partnership is built not just on power-but thoughtful moves and timeless understanding.
Kashmiri Saffron
Known as Kong or Zaffran, the prized spice from Kashmir embodies rich aroma, vibrant colour and centuries-old harvesting traditions, supporting local farmers and showcasing India’s natural wealth Each strand of saffron carries the nonflexible work of growers who pick flowers surpassing dawn in icy valleys. This spice is not only luxury — it is culture, livelihood and heavenly fragrance in a tiny thread. The souvenir reinforces India’s promise that its finest produce reaches friends who value purity and heritage.
Srimad Bhagavad Gita-Russian Translation
The timeless scripture from the Mahabharata offers philosophical guidance on duty and inner peace. Its Russian translation allows broader understanding of India’s spiritual wisdom.The mart of these gifts complemented high-level discussions on defense, strategic engagement, economic partnership and cultural collaboration-reaffirming India–Russia relations as a key global partnership.
