During his recent visit to France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented French President Emmanuel Macron with a meticulously crafted Kalamkari painting based on the Mahabharata and gifted a Pochampally silk stole to First Lady Brigitte Macron.
Created by artisans in Andhra Pradesh, the Kalamkari artwork required nearly six months of dedicated craftsmanship.
Produced using age-old hand-drawing techniques, it illustrates episodes from the Mahabharata while conveying themes of bravery, righteousness, duty and ethical decision-making.
The painting prominently features the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting Lord Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna on responsibility, perseverance and moral courage. It also conveys enduring ideals such as wisdom, peaceful coexistence, ethical governance and respect for human values that continue to resonate globally.
For Brigitte Macron, the Prime Minister selected a Pochampally silk stole crafted by weavers in Telangana.
Renowned for its distinctive Ikat dyeing process, the textile features elegant geometric and floral motifs that reflect India’s rich weaving traditions and artistic innovation.
Prime Minister Modi travelled to France to participate in the G7 Summit and a series of bilateral engagements. He also attended the Bharat Innovates programme and VivaTech 2026 alongside President Macron, highlighting growing cooperation in innovation and technology.
The two leaders held comprehensive discussions covering defence, space, security, emerging technologies, innovation and counter-terrorism.
Following the meeting, PM Modi stated that India and France had agreed to elevate their relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership, signalling a new phase in bilateral cooperation.
At the conclusion of the visit, President Macron released a farewell video message, partly in Hindi, expressing his appreciation for the Indian Prime Minister and reaffirming the enduring friendship between France and India. He also conveyed his eagerness to visit India next year and further strengthen ties between the two nations.
Journalist Payal Mehta, 46, dies in Mumbai on Sunday; Prime Minister Modi, Rajnath Singh and…
A dog allegedly thrown into Nepal’s Seti River was found alive, while police arrested a…
A video highlights an initiative that recycles discarded Ganesh idols made from Plaster of Paris…
Tamil Nadu has told the National Green Tribunal that it plans to prohibit Ganesh idol…
Bangladesh have finalised their squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan in the UAE, retaining…
Andaman and Nicobar Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma said a vision document will be prepared…