PM Modi's gifts for leaders at Asean summit symbolise India's rich cultural heritage

PM Narendra Modi presented an array of intricately-crafted gifts, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage, to leaders of Laos, Thailand, New Zealand and Japan at Asean Summit , officials said.

Among the notable gifts, Modi gave New Zealand's PM Christopher Luxon a pair of majestic silver lamps adorned with rubies from Maharashtra. These gifts, which highlight India's artistry, also included a vintage brass Buddha statue with mina (enamel) work for Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, a Patan Patola scarf in a Sadeli box for Naly Sisoulith, the President's spouse, a Kadamwood embossed Buddha head for Lao PM Sonexay Siphandone, and a malachite and camel bone box featuring a Radha-Krishna theme for his spouse. For Thailand's PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Modi presented a low-height wooden table from Ladakh. Japan's PM Shigeru Ishiba received a silver peacock figurine, crafted with detailed carving work from Bengal.