From Santoor To Chess Scoresheet: What PM Modi Gifted Uzbekistan Leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a series of carefully selected Indian artefacts and mementoes to Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva and Saida Mirziyoyeva during his official engagement in the Central Asian nation.

The gifts, however, highlighted India’s musical traditions, artisanal craftsmanship, Himalayan produce and Uzbekistan’s sporting achievements.

PM Modi gifted President Mirziyoyev a sandalwood ‘Shata Tantri Veena’, popularly known as the Santoor.

Rooted in the musical traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, the multi-stringed instrument resembles Uzbekistan’s traditional Chang.

PM Modi presented President Mirziyoyev with two boxes of premium Kangra tea, First Flush Black Tea and Green Tea, sourced from Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra Valley.

In a special gesture, President Mirziyoyev received the original handwritten scoresheet of Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov from the 2025 FIDE World Cup final in Goa.

Sindarov defeated China’s Wei Yi to become the youngest FIDE World Cup champion and secured qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

PM Modi presented Prime Minister Aripov with a marble inlay decorative plate from Agra, featuring intricate floral motifs made using the traditional stone-inlay technique.

First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva received a marble inlay casket paired with a Banarasi silk stole, combining Agra’s craftsmanship with Varanasi’s silk-weaving tradition.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, the President’s daughter, received a fine silver brooch depicting a floral bouquet, featuring intricate openwork and latticework with green cabochons and clear stones.

The carefully chosen gifts, however, highlighted the deep cultural, artistic and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan.

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