A beautifully carved wooden swing (jhula) from Gujarat and a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box were among the gifts Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his two-hour “working visit” to India on Monday, 19 January.
At his official residence, Lok Kalyan Marg, the Prime Minister welcomed the UAE leader with traditional Indian gifts, including the intricately carved jhula that holds pride of place in many Gujarati family homes.
In Gujarati culture, the swing symbolises togetherness, dialogue and bonding across generations. The gesture also aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family.
Modi also presented MBZ with a Pashmina shawl housed in an ornate silver box. Handcrafted in Kashmir from exceptionally fine wool, the Pashmina is known for its softness, lightness and warmth. The decorative silver box, made in Telangana, showcases India's rich tradition of handicrafts, while the shawl reflects the country's renowned handloom heritage.
A Pashmina shawl, in an ornate silver box, was also gifted to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi. In addition, she received Kashmiri saffron, presented in a decorative silver box. Cultivated in the Kashmir Valley, the saffron is prized for its deep crimson strands and rich aroma.
People familiar with MBZ's visit said discussions with the Indian leadership were expected to focus on trade and investment, defence industry cooperation, and energy initiatives, according to a PTI report.
India-UAE ties
The two nations count each other among their leading trade and investment partners, supported by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a local currency settlement mechanism and a bilateral investment treaty, the MEA said.
India and the UAE also share a strong energy partnership, underpinned by long-term energy supply agreements.
“The visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to chart new frontiers for the India-UAE comprehensive strategic partnership,” the MEA said in a statement.
“It will also enable an exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, where India and the UAE share a high degree of convergence,” it said.
(With inputs from news agency ANI)
