Prime Minister Narendra Modi has wrapped up his five-nation visit to the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Italy, where along with diplomatic engagements, India also highlighted its traditional cultural heritage.
During his Italy visit, Modi gifted an Eri Silk stole to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, bringing attention to Assam’s well-known Eri silk tradition and its eco-friendly handloom heritage.
Eri silk, popularly known as “peace silk”, is considered one of the most sustainable natural fibres because it is produced without killing the silkworm. The fabric is widely valued for its softness, warmth and durability, and has remained an important part of Assamese weaving culture for generations.
The silk is commonly used in traditional clothing and handcrafted textiles. It is also known for its breathable and moisture-absorbing qualities, making it suitable for different weather conditions. Over the years, Eri silk has gained increasing international recognition because of its sustainable and elegant appeal.
The gifting of the stole also symbolised a cultural connection between Assam’s traditional craftsmanship and Italy’s global reputation for luxury textiles and fashion design. The gesture formed part of India’s wider effort to showcase regional heritage and indigenous products during major international visits.
Reacting to the development, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Assam was receiving recognition on the global diplomatic stage. Sharing a post on X, Sarma wrote, “Assam shines at the global diplomatic arena. During his visit to Italy, Adarniya Narendra Modi ji gifted an Eri Silk stole to Hon’ble Prime Minister of Italy, HE Giorgia Meloni.”
He further said Eri silk, also called “peace silk”, is unique to Assam and reflects the state’s rich weaving traditions through its cruelty-free production process.
Sarma also mentioned that Modi presented a sample of Joha rice to FAO Director-General Dr Qu Dongyu. He described Joha rice as a small aromatic rice variety native to Assam and known for its distinct fragrance.
“These gifts reflect Prime Minister Modi’s affection towards Assam and his efforts to take the state’s heritage to the global stage,” Sarma added.