Assam black tea, silver horse among Modi’s gifts to Putin

During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a range of gifts that signal India’s diverse culture.

The gifts included fine Assam black tea that comes from the Brahmaputra plains and uses the Assamica variety. The tea received a GI tag in 2007.

Another item presented was an ornate silver tea set from Murshidabad which has detailed engravings. The set emphasises the importance of tea as a shared symbol of warmth and connection in India and Russia.

A silver horse from Maharashtra which shows Indian metal craft also made to the list.

Other items included a marble chess set from Agra and Kashmiri saffron, locally known as Kong or Zaffran and cultivated in the highlands of Kashmir.

The marble chess set from Agra shows stone inlay work under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and has a chequered board with floral borders and uses marble, wood and semi-precious stones.

Kashmiri saffron is prized for its rich colour, aroma and flavour, and holds deep cultural and culinary significance.

A Russian copy of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita was also presented to Putin.

This sacred text from the Mahabharata contains Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna on duty, the soul and spiritual liberation.