PM Modi Showcases Northeast Heritage During International Tour
Cultural Diplomacy on a Global Stage
Assam’s handloom & agricultural legacy formed a key part during PM Modi's five-nation tour
Guwahati, May 21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has returned to New Delhi after an extensive five-nation tour that included the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. This visit was instrumental in securing nearly a billion dollars in investments across various sectors for India.
During high-level diplomatic discussions, the Northeast region was prominently featured through a selection of cultural gifts presented by the Prime Minister to global leaders, highlighting the area's indigenous craftsmanship, agricultural wealth, and cultural heritage.
Assam's rich handloom and agricultural traditions were particularly emphasized during this outreach. In a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Modi presented an Eri silk stole from Assam, showcasing the state's renowned weaving heritage.
Modi gifted an Eri silk stole from Assam
Eri silk, often called “peace silk,” is produced through a humane process, making it one of the most sustainable silk varieties globally. Known for its softness, warmth, and durability, this fabric embodies centuries-old weaving traditions that are integral to Assamese culture.
Additionally, during a meeting in Rome with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Qu Dongyu, Modi presented samples of Joha rice, a fragrant indigenous rice variety from the Brahmaputra Valley.
Joha rice is celebrated for its sweet aroma, delicate buttery taste, and small grains, making it one of Assam's cherished traditional crops, also recognized for its antioxidant benefits.
Assam's Joha rice
Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the Prime Minister's efforts on social media, noting that these gifts symbolize the Prime Minister’s commitment to showcasing Assam’s heritage on a global platform.
“These gifts not only reflect the Prime Minister's affection for Assam but also signify the growing prominence of Assam on the world stage,” he stated.
Moreover, Manipur's unique heritage was also highlighted during these diplomatic interactions. Modi gifted a Shirui Lily silk stole to Giorgia Meloni, inspired by the rare Shirui Lily flower that grows exclusively on the Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur.
This delicate pale pinkish-white flower holds significant cultural importance for the Tangkhul Naga community, symbolizing purity, identity, and indigenous pride.
Manipur's Shirui Lily silk stole
Additionally, the Prime Minister presented the UAE’s Queen Mother with Chak Hao rice from Manipur, commonly referred to as “Black Rice.”
This rice is traditionally considered royal in Manipur, known for its unique aroma, deep purple color, and high nutritional content, including dietary fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
Manipur’s royal rice, Chak Hao
The agricultural diversity of the Northeast was further showcased with Meghalaya’s GI-tagged pineapples, which were presented to the President of the UAE. These pineapples are celebrated for their sweetness, low acidity, and rich aroma, thriving in the hilly terrains of the state and packed with Vitamin C, antioxidants, and bromelain, an enzyme known for aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.