PM Modi Gifts Kanchivaram Silk, Bidriware And Brass Tortoise To Seychelles Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a range of India’s traditional textiles, handicrafts and artworks to the top leadership of Seychelles during his three-day visit to the island nation from June 27 to 29 , which combined cultural diplomacy with high-level bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening India–Seychelles ties.

Modi attended the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Seychelles’ National Day and held bilateral discussions with Seychelles President Patrick Herminie , focusing on expanding cooperation in key strategic and developmental areas.

During the visit, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Indian Ocean region and discussed strengthening maritime security cooperation , including joint efforts in coastal surveillance, anti-piracy operations and regional stability . Both sides also explored ways to enhance trade, capacity building, development partnership and people-to-people exchanges .

As part of the diplomatic outreach, Modi presented carefully curated gifts symbolising India’s cultural heritage.

He gifted the Seychelles President a Muradabadi brass tortoise , a finely crafted piece from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, showcasing India’s renowned metalcraft tradition. The tortoise symbolises wisdom, resilience and longevity , values that also resonate with Seychelles’ iconic Aldabra giant tortoise.

The First Lady of Seychelles, Veronique Herminie, received a Maheshwari silk stole along with a Bidriware box , representing India’s celebrated handloom and metal inlay traditions.

Vice President Sebastien Pillay was presented an orchid painting from Sikkim , depicting the harmony between India’s national bird, the peacock, and orchids, which are also the national flower of Seychelles highlighting shared ecological symbolism.

The Second Lady, Lina Pillay, was gifted Kanchivaram silk fabric , known for its rich texture, vibrant colours and intricate zari work, originating from Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.

The Speaker of the Seychelles National Assembly, Azarel Ernesta, received a Toda embroidered shawl , a handcrafted textile from the Nilgiri Hills representing indigenous cultural identity and continuity.

The visit underscored India’s emphasis on cultural diplomacy alongside strategic cooperation , reinforcing long-standing ties with Seychelles under India’s broader SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision .