Prime Minister Narendra Modi used traditional Indian handicrafts and textiles as instruments of cultural diplomacy during his visit to Seychelles, presenting a carefully curated collection of gifts that reflected not only India’s diverse artisanal heritage but also the shared history, environmental values and deepening strategic partnership between the two Indian Ocean nations.The gifts, presented to Seychelles’ top leadership and their spouses, complemented a visit widely seen as significant for India’s engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. PM Modi’s visit underscored New Delhi’s continued focus on strengthening maritime cooperation, security partnerships and development ties with Seychelles, a key partner located along critical sea lanes in the western Indian Ocean.
Gifts rooted in shared heritage and symbolism
For Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie, PM Modi presented a Muradabadi Brass Tortoise, a handcrafted artefact from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad, known internationally for its brass craftsmanship.The gift carried symbolism beyond its artistic value. While the tortoise represents wisdom, resilience and longevity in Indian philosophy, it also resonates strongly with Seychelles, home to the world-famous Aldabra Giant Tortoise. The selection reflected both countries’ shared respect for nature and conservation while symbolising the enduring friendship between India and Seychelles.Vice-President Sebastien Pillay received an Orchid Painting from Sikkim, bringing together two powerful national symbols. The artwork depicts India’s national bird, the peacock, surrounded by orchids, the national flower of Seychelles, celebrating biodiversity and the two nations’ common commitment to environmental preservation.
Showcasing India’s textile traditions
The gifts also highlighted India’s rich handloom heritage through textiles sourced from different regions of the country.Speaker of the National Assembly Azarel Ernesta was presented with a Toda Embroidered Shawl, crafted by the indigenous Toda community of Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiri Hills. Distinguished by its hand-embroidered red and black geometric patterns on white cotton, the shawl represents generations of indigenous craftsmanship and cultural continuity. The choice echoed Seychelles’ own efforts to preserve its cultural traditions and community heritage.Second Lady Lina Pillay received Kanchivaram Silk Fabric, one of India’s most celebrated weaving traditions from Tamil Nadu. Woven from fine mulberry silk and adorned with intricate gold zari work, the fabric reflected centuries-old craftsmanship inspired by temple architecture, nature and traditional motifs.First Lady Veronique Herminie was gifted a Maheshwari Silk Stole, a lightweight handloom textile from Madhya Pradesh known for its elegant weave and understated geometric designs. She also received a Bidriware Box, a classic example of Karnataka’s centuries-old metal inlay craft, featuring intricate silver work set against a distinctive black metallic finish.
Cultural diplomacy alongside strategic engagement
Taken together, the gifts represented India’s diverse artistic traditions from across the country, spanning textiles, paintings and metalwork while carrying messages tailored to Seychelles’ own cultural identity and ecological heritage.The presentation of handcrafted artefacts formed part of the broader diplomatic engagement during Modi’s visit, reinforcing people-to-people connections alongside discussions on strategic cooperation. With Seychelles occupying a vital position in the Indian Ocean, India has long viewed the island nation as an important maritime partner in advancing regional security, connectivity and sustainable development.By pairing traditional Indian craftsmanship with symbols that resonate deeply with Seychelles, the gifts served as more than ceremonial exchanges, reflecting New Delhi’s effort to strengthen bilateral ties through cultural affinity as well as strategic partnership.