Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship by presenting a carefully curated collection of handcrafted gifts to the top leadership of Seychelles during his three-day official visit to the island nation.
The diplomatic gifts reflected India’s diverse handloom and handicraft traditions while symbolising the strong cultural ties and shared environmental values between New Delhi and Victoria.
President Patrick Herminie received a Muradabadi Brass Tortoise, handcrafted by artisans from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, popularly known as India’s “Brass City.” The tortoise, symbolising wisdom, resilience and longevity in Indian philosophy, was chosen in recognition of Seychelles’ close association with the iconic Aldabra Giant Tortoise.
First Lady Veronique Herminie was presented with a Maheshwari Silk Stole from Maheshwar, Madhya Pradesh, renowned for its elegant silk-cotton weave and traditional motifs, along with an intricately crafted Bidriware Box from Bidar, Karnataka, featuring delicate silver inlay work on a black metal surface.
Vice President Sebastien Pillay received an Orchid Art Painting from Sikkim, depicting India’s national bird, the peacock, surrounded by orchids—the national flower of Seychelles—symbolising the two countries’ shared commitment to biodiversity and environmental conservation.
Second Lady Lina Pillay, wife of the Vice President, was gifted a Kanchivaram Silk Fabric from Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu. The GI-tagged handloom textile, known for its luxurious texture, intricate gold zari work and exceptional craftsmanship, represents one of India’s finest weaving traditions.
Speaker of the Seychelles National Assembly Azarel Ernesta received a Toda Embroidered Shawl, handcrafted by the indigenous Toda community of the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. The shawl, featuring distinctive red and black geometric embroidery, reflects India’s indigenous heritage and traditional weaving techniques.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his landmark three-day visit to Seychelles after achieving 19 major bilateral outcomes across sectors including defence, space, healthcare and development cooperation. During the visit, he was also conferred with Seychelles’ prestigious “Guardian of the Blue Horizon” honour by President Patrick Herminie.
