PM Modi gifts Assam’s Muga silk and Manipur-inspired stole to Giorgia Meloni during Italy visit

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 Indiarsquos textile traditions craftsmanship and classical music heritageAmong the gifts presented to Meloni were a traditional Muga silk stole from Assam and a Shirui Lilyinspired silk stole linked to Manipurrsquos cultural identityThe gifts were chosen to reflect Indiarsquos regional diversity and centuriesold traditions in weaving and handicraftsMuga silk highlights Assamrsquos textile legacyThe Muga silk stole gifted to Meloni represents one of Indiarsquos most distinctive and prestigious textiles Produced in Assamrsquos Brahmaputra Valley Muga silk is known for its natural golden sheen and durabilityPrime Minister Narendra Modi concludes his 5nation visit to the United Arab Emirates UAE the Netherlands Sweden Norway and Italy PM Modi gifted a Muga Silk Stole for Italy PM Giorgia Meloni Muga silk known as the ldquoGolden Silkrdquo of Assam is a rare and prestigioushellip pictwittercomQbOvnBbFWHmdash ANI ANI May 21 2026Unlike 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 timeOfficials said the gift was intended to underline Indiarsquos sustainable textile traditions while also connecting with Italyrsquos longstanding reputation for luxury fashion and fine fabricsMuga silk has historically been associated with Assamese culture and remains one of the countryrsquos most recognisable handloom productsShirui Lily stole reflects Manipurrsquos cultural identityThe second stole presented to Meloni was inspired by the rare Shirui Lily flower which blooms only in Manipurrsquos Shirui HillsThe flower known for its pale pinkishwhite petals holds cultural significance for the Tangkhul Naga community and is regarded as a symbol of purity and identity in the regionOfficials 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 artPM Modi also gifted a Shirui Lily silk stole for Italy PM Giorgia MeloniThe Shirui Lily silk stole draws its inspiration from the misty heights of Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur India It is inspired by the rare Shirui Lily a delicate bellshaped flower with palehellip pictwittercomRdRNDzY3f2mdash ANI ANI May 21 2026The stole was designed to represent a cultural connection between India and Italy through shared artistic symbolismMarble inlay artwork gifted to Italian PresidentPrime 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 AgraThe intricate artwork features semiprecious stones such as lapis lazuli turquoise coral malachite and motherofpearl embedded into polished white marbleOfficials 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 countriesClassical music recordings included in gift setInside the marble inlay box were recordings of legendary Indian classical musicians Bhimsen Joshi and M S SubbulakshmiBhimsen 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 NationsThe inclusion of the recordings was aimed at highlighting Indiarsquos rich musical traditions alongside its artistic and textile heritageIndia and Italy upgrade bilateral tiesModi returned to India after concluding a fivenation diplomatic tour covering the United Arab Emirates the Netherlands Sweden Norway and ItalyDuring 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 2029The two countries also signed agreements related to agriculture financial crime prevention and mobility of Indian healthcare professionalsDiscussions between Modi and Meloni additionally focused on strengthening cooperation under the IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor IMEC initiative and expanding strategic collaboration across sectorsWith inputs from Agencies