New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanged a range of culturally significant gifts with Nordic leaders during the third India-Nordic Summit in Norway, highlighting India’s artistic traditions and shared values with the region.

Modi presented Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo with a Kamal Talai Pichwai painting, a traditional art form from Rajasthan’s Nathdwara school. Depicting lotus-filled waters, the artwork symbolises purity, peace and spiritual harmony. The gift was chosen keeping in mind Finland’s deep association with lakes and nature, drawing a cultural connection through themes of tranquillity and reflection.

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir received a replica of the ice axe used by mountaineer Tenzing Norgay during the historic first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 alongside Edmund Hillary. Crafted with a polished wooden shaft and steel finish, the replica symbolises resilience, exploration and endurance — values that resonate strongly with Iceland’s rugged natural landscape and mountaineering culture.

For Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Modi gifted a Bidri silver work vase, a renowned craft tradition from the Deccan region. Featuring intricate silver inlay and floral motifs, the vase reflects India’s rich artisanal heritage and aligns with Denmark’s global reputation for elegant and minimalist design.

During his Sweden visit ahead of the summit, Modi gifted Swedish Crown Princess Victoria a copy of his book, Convenient Action: Continuity for Change. The publication outlines his views on governance, development, policy continuity and reforms aimed at driving social and economic transformation in India.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson was presented with a handcrafted Shantiniketan leather bag along with selected works of Rabindranath Tagore. The Shantiniketan craft, protected under the Geographical Indication tag, traces its roots to Tagore’s vision of blending folk art with modern aesthetics while supporting rural artisans in West Bengal’s Birbhum district.

Modi also gifted Kristersson Loktak tea from Manipur, cultivated around the ecologically rich Loktak Lake using traditional, chemical-free farming practices. In addition, he presented a Ladakh Pashmina stole, woven from the fine under-fleece of Changthangi goats found in the high-altitude Changthang plateau. The hand-spun and handwoven shawl reflects the sustainable craftsmanship of Himalayan artisans.

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Prime Minister Modi visited Sweden as part of his five-nation tour, which also included stops in the UAE, the Netherlands, Norway and Italy.