A beautifully carved wooden swing (jhula) from Gujarat and a pashmina scarf in an ornate silver box were among the gifts Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his two-hour “working visit” to India.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister presented the UAE President with traditional Indian gifts, which included a beautifully carved wooden swing from Gujarat, which is at the heart of many Gujarati family homes.
In Gujarati culture, the jhula symbolizes togetherness, dialogue and connection across generations. The gift is also in line with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family.
PM Modi also presented the UAE President with a pashmina shawl housed in an ornate silver box. Handmade in Kashmir from exceptionally fine wool, pashmina is known for its softness, lightness and warmth. Made in Telangana, the decorative silver box highlights India’s rich heritage of handlooms and handicrafts.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi also received a pashmina scarf in an ornate silver box. In addition, she received Kashmiri saffron, presented in a decorative silver box. Cultivated in the Kashmir Valley, saffron is prized for its deep crimson strands and rich aroma.
People familiar with the UAE president’s visit said discussions with the Indian leadership will focus on trade and investment, defense industry cooperation and energy initiatives, according to a PTI report.
India-UAE ties
The two states are counted among the 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-standing 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 facilitate an exchange of views on regional and global issues of common concern where India and the UAE share a high degree of convergence,” it said.
(With inputs from news agency ANI)
