Modi gifts Kashmiri carpet, silver clutch to Cyprus President and First Lady
PM Modi gifts Kashmiri silk carpet to Cyprus President, silver clutch to First Lady
- By Gurmehar --
- Monday, 16 Jun, 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Cyprus as part of his four-day tour of three countries—Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia. During his stay in Cyprus, PM Modi held important talks with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and took part in cultural and business events to improve the relationship between India and Cyprus.
On Monday, PM Modi was warmly welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. He received a ceremonial welcome before beginning official talks with President Christodoulides. The two leaders spoke about a wide range of topics, including trade, culture, education, and global cooperation. Alongside PM Modi were senior Indian officials like External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
During the meeting, both sides expressed strong interest in boosting their partnership. PM Modi called Cyprus a "reliable partner" and said that there is huge potential to grow ties between the two countries. He shared these views while speaking at a business roundtable event, which was attended by several Indian and Cypriot business leaders.
He added that India and Cyprus have always had friendly relations and now is the time to build stronger business and investment links. PM Modi said both countries can work together in areas like digital technology, green energy, tourism, and pharmaceuticals. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides agreed and said that Cyprus looks forward to deeper cooperation with India.
Special gifts show Indian culture
As a gesture of friendship and cultural diplomacy, PM Modi also gave handcrafted Indian gifts to the President and First Lady of Cyprus.
To President Nikos Christodoulides, PM Modi gifted a Kashmiri Silk Carpet, which is known for its luxurious feel and beautiful designs. This deep red carpet had elegant borders and featured vine and geometric patterns woven in a traditional Kashmiri style. What made the carpet extra special was its two-tone weaving technique—depending on the lighting and viewing angle, it looked like two different carpets. This kind of craftsmanship reflects the heritage of Kashmiri artisans, who have passed down their weaving skills for generations.
The Kashmiri Silk Carpet is not just a decorative item; it is a piece of Indian culture and art, representing the hard work and creativity of Indian craftsmen. PM Modi’s choice of this gift was symbolic, showing that India values its cultural traditions and is proud to share them with the world.
For the First Lady of Cyprus, Philippa Karsera, PM Modi presented a silver clutch purse made by Indian artisans in Andhra Pradesh. This purse was created using the ancient ‘repousse’ technique, a traditional metalworking method where patterns are pressed into metal from the back to create detailed designs. The purse had ornate floral patterns, inspired by temple carvings and royal art found in South India.
A semi-precious stone was embedded in the center of the clutch, adding a touch of elegance. Its curved shape, smooth edges, and delicate handle made it not only a beautiful piece of art but also a modern luxury accessory. PM Modi’s gift to the First Lady reflected the blend of traditional Indian art with contemporary style.
Such handcrafted items were once used only during religious or festive occasions in India. But today, they are considered premium collectibles, admired by art lovers across the world. By gifting these items, PM Modi not only showed appreciation for Indian craftsmanship but also shared a part of India’s cultural soul with the people of Cyprus.
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During the business roundtable event in Cyprus, PM Modi and President Christodoulides encouraged business leaders from both countries to explore new partnerships. PM Modi said India is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and Cyprus can be an important partner in its growth journey.
The Prime Minister invited Cypriot companies to invest in India’s development, especially in fields like renewable energy, infrastructure, start-ups, and research and development. He also encouraged Indian companies to explore opportunities in Cyprus, which has a strong location advantage in Europe and is a gateway to the EU.
PM Modi also praised Cyprus for supporting India in international forums and thanked the Cypriot leadership for standing with India on key global issues.
As PM Modi’s visit to Cyprus ended, both countries looked forward to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations. The trip served as a reminder of how global friendships are built not only through official talks but also through thoughtful gestures and mutual respect.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus was marked by warmth, meaningful dialogue, and cultural exchange. His gifts of a Kashmiri silk carpet and a silver clutch purse stood as symbols of India’s rich art and tradition. The talks with President Christodoulides opened the door to stronger business cooperation and deeper friendship between India and Cyprus. The visit was an important step in building a future of mutual growth, respect, and shared values.
