Washington, Jan 29, (NationPress) A recent report from the State Department has revealed an array of significant gifts exchanged between Indian leaders and high-ranking US officials. Among these is a remarkable $7,750 sterling silver train set that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted to then-President Joe Biden, which was subsequently moved to the National Archives.

This report, published by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, details gifts recorded for the year 2024, indicating that the “minimal value is $480.00” for that year.

For the White House, several notable items from PM Modi to President Biden are highlighted.

One entry notes that on September 10, 2023, Biden received a “Wood Chest, Scarf, Saffron with Jar, Wood Box for Tea” valued at $562.00. The disposition states these items were “Transferred to NARA (Chest, Scarf, Jar, and Box).” Except for perishable items like tea and saffron, all were transferred to the National Archives.

Another entry notes that Biden received a “Sterling Silver Metal Train Set” on July 16, 2024, with a value of $7,750.00.

The report also mentions a gift from PM Modi to First Lady Jill Biden.

It states Jill Biden received a “Pashmina Shawl” on October 21, 2024, valued at $2,969.00, which was also “Transferred to NARA.”

Additionally, an India-related gift was recorded for the president’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan.

It indicates that Sullivan received a “Kashmir Pashmina Scarf with Box” on August 23, 2024, valued at $599.00, which was “Transferred to GSA.” The donor was identified as Ajit Doval, India’s national security adviser.

Furthermore, the report includes an entry for Vice President Kamala Harris.

It states she received a “Lord Krishna Raas Leela Silver Box” on October 18, 2024 from PM Modi, valued at $1,330.00, and it was “Transferred to NARA.”

Another entry notes a gift from PM Modi to second gentleman Douglas Emhoff.

It indicates Emhoff received “Cufflinks” on October 18, 2024, valued at $585.65, which were “Transferred to NARA.”

The report also features an India-connected entry under the Department of Defence.

It mentions that former Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin received a “Shiva Nataraja Bronze Statue” on November 24, 2022, valued at $3,700.00, with the disposition marked as “Pending Transfer to GSA.” The donor is named as Rajnath Singh, India’s defence minister.

According to the report, agencies must ensure the accuracy of the information they submit. It states: “All information reported to the Office of the Chief of Protocol, including gift appraisal and donor information, is the responsibility of the employing agency.”

This report encompasses “tangible gifts as well as gifts related to travel or travel expenses,” and it lists gifts surpassing the “minimal value.” Some older gifts are included due to delayed reporting.

Published in the Federal Register on Thursday, the report provides a standard rationale for acceptance for White House entries, stating: “Non-acceptance would cause embarrassment to both the donor and the US Government.”