PM gifts silver 'Delhi-Delaware' train to Biden, Pashmina shawl to First Lady

During his three-day US visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted President Joe Biden a rare, antique silver hand-engraved train model crafted by Maharashtra artisans and also presented a Pashmina shawl in a papier-mâché box to First Lady Jill Biden.

In Short

• Train model made from 92.5% silver, crafted by Maharashtra artisans
• PM Modi also gifted Pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden
• PM Modi on 3-day US visit for Quad Summit and UNGA address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently on a three-day visit to the US, presented an antique silver hand-engraved train model as a gift to President Joe Biden. This vintage model is a rare and extraordinary piece, meticulously crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, a region known for its rich silver craftsmanship heritage.

Made from 92.5% silver, the model showcases the finest Indian metalworking techniques, featuring intricate details achieved through traditional methods such as engraving, repoussé (hammered designs), and delicate filigree work. The piece pays homage to the steam locomotive era, blending artistic brilliance with historical significance.

To symbolize the strong ties between India and the US, the model was customized with "DELHI - DELAWARE" inscribed on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" engraved on the engine in both English and Hindi, following the format commonly seen on Indian passenger trains.

This masterpiece not only highlights the extraordinary skill of Indian artisans but also serves as a tribute to the long and storied history of Indian railways and its global impact.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi gifted a Pashmina shawl in a papier-mâché box to US First Lady Jill Biden.

The story of a Pashmina shawl begins with the Changthangi goat, native to the high altitudes of Ladakh. Its soft winter coat, called Pashm, forms the essence of the shawl. The fiber, known for its exceptional softness and fineness, is hand-combed and spun by skilled artisans using time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

The vibrant colors of the shawls are derived from natural dyes sourced from plants and minerals, reflecting the diverse landscapes of the region. Traditionally, Pashmina shawls are packaged in papier-mâché boxes from Jammu and Kashmir, which are handcrafted using paper pulp, glue, and natural materials. Each box is a unique work of art, representing the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir.

PM Modi is on a 3-day trip to the US for the Quad Summit. He met President Biden before the summit at his residence to hold bilateral talks where the two leaders discussed ways to grow US-India relations and address regional and global conflicts.

In the coming days, he is scheduled to meet other leaders, travel to New York to address the American-Indian community at an event, meet with American tech business leaders, and deliver an address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).