During his meeting with Joe Biden in his hometown, Prime Minister Modi gave special gifts to the Biden couple. He gifted Joe Biden a silver model of a train engine. Jill Biden was gifted a pashmina shawl.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also presented a gift to US President Joe Biden during their meeting at his private residence. PM Modi also met President Biden’s wife Jill Biden when he arrived in Wilmington, his hometown, on Friday to attend the sixth summit of Quad leaders. This is the last leg of his tenure after Mr Biden withdrew his name from the US presidential elections. Biden warmly welcomed Prime Minister Modi.
PM Modi gifted the US President an old steam engine-driven train model hand-engraved in silver. This old silver train model is a rare and exceptional artefact specially crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, renowned for its heritage of rich silver craftsmanship. Made of 92.5 per cent silver, the model showcases the grandeur of Indian metal artistry. It incorporates traditional techniques such as engraving, repoussé (hammering from the back to create raised designs) and intricate filigree work, among others.
Reflecting the strong ties between India and the US, the train model is engraved with “Delhi – Delaware” on the sides of the main carriage and “Indian Railways” based on the standard format used in English and Hindi on the sides of the engine on passenger trains in India. This masterpiece not only highlights the exceptional skill of the artisan but is also a stunning testimony to the long history of Indian Railways and its global influences.
Pashmina shawl gifted to Jill Biden
Similarly, a pashmina shawl packed in a paper mache box was presented to the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden. Pashmina shawls of exceptional quality and unparalleled beauty are the hallmark of Jammu and Kashmir. It is made from the wool of the Changthangi goat found in the high altitudes of Ladakh. This wool is combed by hand to form an incredibly fine and soft fiber, known as pashm. Skilled artisans spin pashm into woolen yarn by hand using traditional techniques passed down for generations.
The look and feel of pashmina shawls is extremely diverse. Natural dyes derived from plants and minerals impart vibrant colors to the fabric. Pashmina shawls are an heirloom passed down through generations, carrying memories and emotions in its threads. Contemporary designers are incorporating modern sensibilities, experimenting with bold colors, playful patterns and even fusion styles to ensure that the legacy of pashmina remains relevant, captivating the hearts of generations and cultures.
Pashmina shawls are traditionally packaged in paper mache boxes from Jammu and Kashmir, which are famous for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship. These boxes are handmade using a mixture of paper pulp, glue and other natural materials. Each box is a unique piece of art, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. These boxes are not only used but also serve as decorative items in themselves.
Biden thanked PM Modi for these wonderful gifts. On this occasion, Modi expressed his appreciation for the unique contribution made by President Biden in giving momentum to the India-US partnership. He warmly recalled his State visit to the US in June 2023 and President Biden’s visit to India in September 2023 for the G-20 Leaders’ Summit. The Prime Minister said that the visits have given greater dynamism and depth to the India-US partnership.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India and the United States today are proud of a comprehensive global strategic partnership that covers all spheres of activity, driven by shared democratic values ​​and interests and vibrant people-to-people ties. The two leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on global and regional issues, including in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. They expressed confidence in the strength and continued resilience of the relationship and its importance to all spheres of human endeavor between the two countries.