Royal Swing, Pashmina Shawls In Silver Boxes: PM Modi’s Gifts To UAE President Al Nahyan

Last Updated:January 19, 2026, 18:45 IST

PM Modi welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, gifting a carved wooden jhula and Kashmiri Pashmina shawls during his diplomatic visit.

The Prime Minister hosted the UAE President at his 7 Lok Kalyan Marg residence, presenting him with a traditional carved wooden jhula and a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl. (IMAGE: PMO INDIA)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his family at his official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, marking the visit with a carefully curated set of traditional Indian gifts.

The Prime Minister presented Sheikh Mohamed with a Royal Carved Wooden Jhula, a traditional wooden swing from Gujarat that holds a special place in many family homes across the state. Hand-carved with intricate floral and traditional motifs, the jhula reflects the depth of Indian craftsmanship and woodworking traditions passed down through generations.

The jhula carries strong cultural meaning. In Gujarati households, it symbolises togetherness and familial bonding across generations. The choice of the gift also aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family, lending the gesture contemporary diplomatic resonance.

Alongside the jhula, the Prime Minister gifted Sheikh Mohamed a Kashmiri Pashmina shawl placed in an ornate silver box. Handcrafted from exceptionally fine wool sourced from Kashmir, the shawl is known for its softness, warmth and lightweight texture.

The silver box housing the shawl was crafted in Telangana, bringing together artisanal traditions from different regions of India in a single diplomatic gesture. The combination was intended to showcase India’s rich heritage of handloom and handicrafts, sectors that continue to sustain livelihoods while preserving centuries-old skills.

Prime Minister Modi also presented a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box to H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi. In addition, she was gifted Kashmiri saffron, also placed in a decorative silver box. Grown in the Kashmir Valley, saffron is prized for its deep crimson strands, intense aroma and cultural significance.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Delhi airport, underscoring the importance India attached to the brief but high-level visit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the UAE President is in the national capital for less than two hours and is holding talks with the Prime Minister.

Trade and investment, defence industry cooperation and energy initiatives are expected to be key items on the agenda, with regional developments in West Asia also likely to figure in the discussions. The visit comes amid heightened volatility in the region, including tensions involving Iran, Yemen and Gaza.

This is Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s third official visit to India since assuming office as President of the UAE and his fifth visit to the country over the past decade. India–UAE ties have seen a significant upswing in recent years, particularly after the signing of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2022.

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