21 May,2026 12:33 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of culturally significant Indian gifts to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Italian President Sergio Mattarella during his official visit to Italy, showcasing India's textile traditions, craftsmanship and classical music heritage.
Among the gifts presented to Meloni were a traditional Muga silk stole from Assam and a Shirui Lily-inspired silk stole linked to Manipur's cultural identity.
The gifts were chosen to reflect India's regional diversity and centuries-old traditions in weaving and handicrafts.
The Muga silk stole gifted to Meloni represents one of India's most distinctive and prestigious textiles. Produced in Assam's Brahmaputra Valley, Muga silk is known for its natural golden sheen and durability.
Unlike many commercial silk varieties, Muga silk is traditionally produced without artificial dyes and is considered one of the strongest natural fibres in the world. The fabric is valued for its long lifespan and the way its natural shine deepens over time.
Officials said the gift was intended to underline India's sustainable textile traditions while also connecting with Italy's long-standing reputation for luxury fashion and fine fabrics.
Muga silk has historically been associated with Assamese culture and remains one of the country's most recognisable handloom products.
The second stole presented to Meloni was inspired by the rare Shirui Lily flower, which blooms only in Manipur's Shirui Hills.
The flower, known for its pale pinkish-white petals, holds cultural significance for the Tangkhul Naga community and is regarded as a symbol of purity and identity in the region.
Officials noted that the lily also has symbolic importance in Italian artistic traditions, where it is often associated with grace and purity and appears frequently in Renaissance art.
The stole was designed to represent a cultural connection between India and Italy through shared artistic symbolism.
Prime Minister Modi also presented President Sergio Mattarella with a handcrafted marble inlay work box made using the traditional Pacchikari or Pietra Dura technique associated with artisans from Agra.
The intricate artwork features semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, turquoise, coral, malachite and mother-of-pearl embedded into polished white marble.
Officials highlighted that the decorative technique traces its roots to Florence in Italy before becoming popular in India during the Mughal period, making the gift a symbolic artistic bridge between the two countries.
Inside the marble inlay box were recordings of legendary Indian classical musicians Bhimsen Joshi and M. S. Subbulakshmi.
Bhimsen Joshi, a Bharat Ratna awardee, is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hindustani classical vocalists, while M. S. Subbulakshmi became internationally known for her Carnatic music performances, including a historic concert at the United Nations.
The inclusion of the recordings was aimed at highlighting India's rich musical traditions alongside its artistic and textile heritage.
Modi returned to India after concluding a five-nation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy.
During the Italy visit, India and Italy upgraded their relationship to a Special Strategic Partnership and set a target to expand bilateral trade to 20 billion euros by 2029.
The two countries also signed agreements related to agriculture, financial crime prevention and mobility of Indian healthcare professionals.
Discussions between Modi and Meloni additionally focused on strengthening cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative and expanding strategic collaboration across sectors.
(With inputs from Agencies)
