New Delhi, June 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India’s rich artisanal traditions and cultural diversity by presenting a carefully curated selection of traditional crafts to the top leadership of Seychelles during his three-day official visit to the island nation.
The diplomatic exchange of gifts reflected not only India’s centuries-old handloom and craft heritage but also the growing cultural and strategic partnership between India and Seychelles. Each handcrafted item carried symbolic meaning, linking Indian craftsmanship with Seychelles’ natural and cultural identity.
Seychelles President Patrick Herminie was presented with a Muradabadi Brass Tortoise, a finely crafted piece from Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, widely known as India’s “Brass City.” The artwork, created by skilled local artisans, represents excellence in metal casting, engraving and finishing. Symbolically, the tortoise is associated with wisdom, endurance and stability in Indian tradition. The gesture also held ecological resonance, reflecting Seychelles’ iconic Aldabra Giant Tortoise and underscoring shared environmental values.
First Lady Veronique Herminie received two traditional Indian crafts a Maheshwari Silk Stole and a Bidriware Box. The Maheshwari Silk Stole from Madhya Pradesh showcased a delicate blend of silk and cotton threads with subtle geometric and floral motifs, reflecting the elegance of India’s handloom legacy. The Bidriware Box from Bidar, Karnataka, featured intricate silver inlay work on a black oxidised metal base, representing one of India’s most distinguished traditional metal crafts.
Vice President Sebastien Pillay was gifted an Orchid Art Painting from Sikkim, depicting a harmonious blend of orchids and peacocks. The artwork symbolically connects India’s national bird with Seychelles’ national flower, reinforcing shared ecological awareness and biodiversity conservation values between the two nations.
Second Lady Lina Pillay received a Kanchivaram Silk Fabric from Tamil Nadu, renowned for its luxurious texture and intricate gold zari work. The maroon silk textile, adorned with traditional motifs inspired by temple architecture and nature, reflects the GI-tagged and ODOP-recognised heritage of Kanchipuram’s weaving tradition.
Seychelles National Assembly Speaker Azarel Ernesta was presented with a Toda Embroidered Shawl from the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu. Handwoven by the Toda tribal community, the white cotton shawl is decorated with distinctive red and black geometric embroidery using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The shawl represents India’s indigenous craftsmanship and cultural preservation efforts.
The curated gifts collectively showcased India’s diverse craft traditions spanning multiple states and communities, reinforcing the message of cultural continuity and soft power diplomacy. Officials noted that the symbolic exchanges reflected shared values between India and Seychelles, particularly in the areas of heritage preservation and environmental sustainability.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit after securing 19 key agreements across sectors including defence, space cooperation and healthcare. During the visit, he was also honoured with the title “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” by President Herminie, marking a significant moment in India–Seychelles relations.