SRINAGAR: Adding a cultural touch to his diplomatic visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted unique pieces of Indian craftsmanship to several French dignitaries. The recipients of these gifts included French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife Brigitte Macron, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, President of the French National Assembly Yael Braun-Pivet, and President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher.
To President Macron, PM Modi presented a unique replica of a sitar, crafted entirely from sandalwood. The sandalwood carving is an ancient craft practised for centuries in Southern India.
Yael Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, was presented with a hand-knitted silk Kashmiri carpet. These carpets are well-known worldwide for their softness and intricate craftsmanship. Adorned with elaborate patterns, these carpets possess a captivating characteristic of displaying different colors when viewed from different angles, adding to their artistic charm.
PM Modi was honored as part of France’s Bastille Day celebrations on Friday. The event, held amid stringent security measures, came two weeks after riots swept the country.
