Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a curated collection of Indian artisanal and cultural gifts during his two-day visit.
The offerings included premium Assam Black Tea, an intricately crafted Murshidabad silver tea set, a handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, a marble chess set from Agra, high-quality Kashmiri saffron, and a Russian-language edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.
Each gift highlighted India’s diverse craftsmanship, regional heritage and symbolic messaging, ranging from shared tea traditions and cultural artistry to themes of friendship valour and spiritual wisdom.
Grown in the fertile Brahmaputra plains, Assam black tea is prized for its robust malty flavour, bright liquor and traditional processing using the ‘Assamica’ variety.
Recognised with a GI tag in 2007, 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.
The ornate 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.
The handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, embellished with intricate detailing, highlights the exceptional skill of India’s metal artisans.
The handcrafted marble chess set from Agra blends fine craftsmanship with functional elegance, highlighting the region’s stone inlay heritage under the ‘One District One Product’ (ODOP) initiative.
Kashmiri saffron, locally known as Kong or Zaffran and grown in the region’s high-altitude fields, is treasured for its vibrant colour, distinct aroma and rich flavour, and carries deep cultural and culinary significance.
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The Srimad Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, presents Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna on duty, the eternal soul, and spiritual liberation.
Its timeless wisdom inspires ethical living, mind control, and inner peace, with translations making it accessible to modern readers worldwide.
