Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently concluded a three-day visit to the island of Seychelles located in the western Indian Ocean. During his time there, the Prime Minister met with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, and became the first Indian leader to address the country’s National Assembly.
The two countries discussed enhancing cooperation in a range of sectors, including maritime security and defence.
However, apart from the usual diplomatic meetings, Prime Minister Modi also showcased India’s cultural heritage and traditional crafts in gifts to Seychelles leaders.
The gifts highlighted the deep-rooted cultural ties and shared environmental values between New Delhi and Victoria, news agency ANI reported.
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A brass tortoise and a silk stole: gifts that demonstrated India’s handloom diplomacy
Prime Minister Modi, who was the guest of honor at the 50th anniversary celebrations of Seychelles’ independence, received several gifts for the leadership of the archipelago nation.
📌 Copper tortoiseAmong these is a ‘Moradabadi’ brass tortoise presented to Seychelles President Herminie, which was handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, hence giving it the name, ANI reported. Moradabad is universally referred to as the “Copper City” of India. This souvenir is a representation of Indian craftsmanship, especially in metal casting, engraving and finishing.
It has philosophical and cultural importance as well. The turtle represents wisdom, stability, resilience and longevity in Indian philosophy. Moreover, it is seen as a special symbol in Seychelles, whose natural heritage is closely linked to the famous Aldabra giant tortoise, according to ANI. This serves as a bridge between Indian craftsmanship and the island nation’s ecological identity.
📌Silk Stole, Bidriware Tools – Prime Minister Modi also received gifts for First Lady Veronique Herminie, who received two examples of Indian craftsmanship. She was gifted a steal of Maheshwari silk and a Bidriware tool box.
The silk stole, woven in Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh, was a blend of fine silk and cotton threads. It bore delicate geometric and floral motifs in soft colours, demonstrating the fine handloom tradition that has been preserved for generations, according to ANI.
Meanwhile, true to its name, the Bidriware Box comes from Bidar in Karnataka, and features a contrast of shiny silver inlay with a deep black anodized zinc and copper alloy metal surface. It also displays geometric and floral motifs hand-inlaid with fine silver wire.
📌Orchid Art Painting, Kanjeevaram Silk A painting of an orchid from Sikkim was presented to Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, a gift chosen by Prime Minister Modi himself. The artwork is a combination of Sikkim’s floral heritage and India’s national bird, the peacock. The bird is depicted among delicate orchids and vines in art.
Second Lady Lina Pillai, wife of the Vice President, also received a silk cloth, ANI reported. Kanjeevaram silk fabric, originating from the historical temple city of Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, is known for its texture and durability. The fabric features a rich maroon field embellished with gold zari motifs, with red, green and gold borders.
📌 Toda embroidered shawl – The President of the Seychelles National Assembly, Azaril Ernesta, also received a gift – an embroidered Toda shawl made by the Toda community. It is handcrafted by the indigenous pastoral people residing in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. The shawl is woven on a white cotton base, includes bold red and black geometric patterns, and is embroidered using the ancient hand-weaving technique called bukhoor.
(With inputs from Annie)
