Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented an array of traditional Indian artefacts, ancient Ayurvedic manuscripts, and regional delicacies to Slovak leaders during his historic visit to Bratislava on 19 June, using carefully chosen gifts to spotlight India's cultural depth and centuries-old craft traditions.

Gifts for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini

Slovak President Peter Pellegrini received a set that included handcrafted Thewa motif cufflinks, a Himroo silk tie, a matching pocket square, and a brass Dokra antelope set. Each item was selected to represent a distinct regional craft tradition from across India.

The Thewa cufflinks originate from Pratapgarh, Rajasthan, and are made using the rare Thewa technique — finely engraved gold sheets fused onto coloured glass to produce intricate designs drawn from nature and symbolism. The craft, preserved across generations by artisan families, carries Geographical Indication (GI) status and is part of the government's One District One Product (ODOP) initiative.

The Himroo silk tie and pocket square represent the weaving heritage of Aurangabad — now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Crafted from a silk-cotton blend, Himroo is distinguished by its reversible weave, soft texture, and subtle sheen, with floral and paisley patterns woven directly into the fabric. Originating under Deccan court patronage, it too holds GI status and features in the ODOP scheme for its home district.

The brass Dokra antelope set draws on India's ancient lost-wax casting tradition, practised for centuries by tribal artisans across Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The antelope figures carry symbolic resonance — their themes of gentleness, agility, and harmony with nature were chosen to echo the Tatra chamois of Slovakia, drawing a cultural parallel between both nations' bonds with their natural environments.

A Kashmiri Silk Carpet for Prime Minister Robert Fico

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was presented with a hand-knotted Kashmiri silk carpet from the Srinagar region of the Kashmir Valley. Woven from high-quality natural silk, these carpets are known for intricate floral, paisley, vine, and medallion designs. Each piece requires months or even years to complete owing to its high knot density, making every carpet a unique work of art valued globally as both a luxury furnishing and a cultural artefact.

Ancient Ayurvedic Texts and Festive Delicacy for Speaker Richard Rasi

Richard Rasi, Speaker of Slovakia's National Council, received a more scholarly selection: the traditional sweet Thekua alongside printed editions of the Sushruta Samhita and the Charaka Samhita — two foundational texts of ancient Indian medicine.

Thekua, a festive snack from Bihar and Jharkhand made with wheat flour, jaggery or sugar, fennel seeds, and ghee, is most closely associated with Chhath Puja. Its long shelf life and simple ingredients make it a durable symbol of regional culinary heritage.

The Sushruta Samhita, attributed to the physician Sushruta, is regarded as one of the earliest comprehensive works on surgery, detailing advanced surgical techniques, anatomy, and pioneering reconstructive procedures including rhinoplasty. The Charaka Samhita, attributed to Acharya Charaka, offers a systematic framework of health, disease, and human physiology developed over two millennia ago. Together, the texts represent India's early contributions to global medical science.

Diplomatic Significance

The choice of gifts — spanning craft traditions from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Kashmir, Bihar, and Jharkhand — reflects a deliberate effort to present India's geographic and cultural breadth on a European diplomatic stage. This visit is being described as historic, marking a significant moment in India-Slovakia bilateral relations. The symbolic alignment of the Dokra antelope with Slovakia's Tatra chamois suggests a level of cultural research that goes beyond standard diplomatic protocol.