SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with an array of culturally significant Indian gifts, including prized Kashmiri saffron, during their meeting in New Delhi, according to India Today.
The gift set also featured Assam black tea, an ornate Murshidabad silver tea set, a handcrafted silver horse from Maharashtra, a marble chess set from Agra, and a Russian edition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Officials said the selection highlighted India’s diverse heritage and longstanding ties with Russia.
The Bhagavad Gita edition reflects Lord Krishna’s teachings on duty and spiritual liberation, while the Assam black tea, recognised with a GI tag, represents the cultural and agricultural legacy of the Brahmaputra plains.
The Murshidabad silver tea set and handcrafted silver horse showcase Indian artisanship, with the horse symbolising shared values of dignity and valour in both cultures. The Agra marble chess set, created under the ODOP initiative, underscores traditional stone inlay craftsmanship.
Kashmiri saffron, locally called Kong or Zaffran, remains one of the world’s most valued spices for its colour, aroma and deep cultural and culinary importance, making it a standout element in the curated gift ensemble.
