PM Modi Presents Handcrafted Indian Treasures to Seychelles Leadership, Showcasing India’s Rich Cultural Heritage

New Delhi, June 2026 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a carefully curated collection of traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles to the top leadership of Seychelles during his three-day State visit to the island nation, highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage, centuries-old artisanal traditions and the enduring friendship between the two countries.

The gifts, sourced from different regions of India, reflected the country’s diverse artistic legacy while carrying symbolic significance that resonated with Seychelles’ own culture, biodiversity and shared values.

As a special gift to Seychelles President Patrick Herminie, Prime Minister Modi presented a Muradabadi Brass Tortoise, a remarkable example of the renowned brassware craftsmanship of Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the decorative piece showcases Moradabad’s centuries-old expertise in metal casting, engraving and polishing. The intricately designed shell and lustrous finish reflect the exceptional craftsmanship that has made Muradabadi brassware famous worldwide.

Beyond its artistic beauty, the brass tortoise carries deep symbolism. Across cultures, the tortoise represents wisdom, resilience, stability and longevity. The gift holds particular significance for Seychelles, home to the iconic Aldabra Giant Tortoise, one of the world’s largest and longest-living tortoise species and an enduring symbol of the island nation’s unique natural heritage.

By presenting the handcrafted brass tortoise, Prime Minister Modi underscored the shared values of harmony with nature and celebrated the strong and lasting friendship between India and Seychelles.

For Seychelles First Lady Veronique Herminie, the Prime Minister presented an elegant Bidriware Box along with a Maheshwari Silk Stole, representing two distinct yet equally celebrated traditions of Indian craftsmanship.

The Bidriware Box is a masterpiece of India’s historic metalcraft tradition originating from Bidar in Karnataka. Crafted from an alloy of zinc and copper, the decorative box features intricate floral and geometric patterns inlaid with fine silver wire. A specialised oxidation process gives the object its distinctive deep black finish while allowing the silver inlay to shine brilliantly, creating the striking contrast for which Bidriware is internationally renowned.

Complementing the handcrafted box was a graceful Maheshwari Silk Stole from Maheshwar in Madhya Pradesh. Known for its lightweight texture, elegant drape and refined woven patterns, Maheshwari textiles blend silk and cotton yarns to create fabrics distinguished by geometric motifs, striped borders and subtle colour combinations. The weaving tradition, preserved for generations, remains one of India’s finest handloom legacies.

Prime Minister Modi also presented an exquisite Orchid Art Painting from Sikkim to Seychelles Vice President Sebastien Pillay, while the Second First Lady Lina Pillay received a luxurious Kanchivaram Silk Fabric from Tamil Nadu.

The Orchid Art Painting beautifully combines Sikkim’s vibrant artistic traditions with its extraordinary floral heritage. The artwork depicts India’s national bird, the peacock, gracefully surrounded by delicate orchid blossoms and intricate floral vines.

The painting carries symbolic significance for both nations. While the peacock represents India’s cultural and natural identity, the orchid is the national flower of Seychelles, reflecting the island nation’s globally recognised biodiversity and commitment to environmental conservation. Together, the two iconic symbols celebrate the shared dedication of India and Seychelles towards preserving nature and promoting harmony between culture and the environment.

The Kanchivaram Silk Fabric presented to Lina Pillay represents one of India’s most prestigious handloom traditions. Woven in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, using fine mulberry silk, the fabric is renowned for its rich texture, brilliant colours, durability and intricate zari work. Kanchivaram silk has long been regarded as a symbol of elegance and superior craftsmanship, making it one of India’s most treasured textile traditions.

To Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta, Prime Minister Modi gifted a Toda Embroidered Shawl, an exceptional example of the traditional embroidery practised by the Toda community of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu.

The shawl is crafted on a pristine white cotton base and decorated with distinctive red and black geometric embroidery, all meticulously hand-stitched by skilled artisans. Every piece reflects generations of inherited knowledge, artistic excellence and the unique cultural identity of the Toda people, one of India’s indigenous pastoral communities.

The exchange of these handcrafted gifts formed an important part of Prime Minister Modi’s State visit to Seychelles, reinforcing India’s tradition of cultural diplomacy through the presentation of region-specific handicrafts that represent the country’s diverse heritage.

Each gift was carefully selected not only for its artistic excellence but also for its symbolic relevance, reflecting common values such as sustainability, resilience, craftsmanship and respect for nature that unite India and Seychelles.

Through these thoughtfully chosen artefacts, India showcased the richness of its traditional crafts while reaffirming its commitment to strengthening cultural ties and deepening the longstanding partnership with the island nation in the Indian Ocean.