A gift given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kashmiri Saffron, locally known as Kong or Zaffran, cultivated in Kashmir, in New Delhi
| Photo Credit:
ANI
During his recent visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a parcel of premium Kashmiri saffron, among other gifts — the latest example of a long tradition of using Kashmiri products such as saffron and fine shawls to symbolise goodwill between leaders and dignitaries.
In August, Modi gifted a Pashmina shawl encased in a papier-mâché box to the wife of his Japanese counterpart.
“Gifting saffron or a Kashmiri shawl is both cultural symbolism and political messaging. While it conveys warmth and respect, it also showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage and soft power,” said Shahnawaz Hussain, a Valley-based political analyst.
gifting history
Kashmiri products, particularly handmade Pashmina shawls, have been used as diplomatic gifts since the 16th century under the Mughal Empire. Pashmina — a fine wool taken from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat, a high-altitude breed native to Ladakh and Himalayan regions of Nepal and Tibet — gained prominence during the reign of Emperor Akbar, who held the fabric in high regard.
“The shawl later reached Europe as a luxury item and a symbol of prestige and high status, often used as a gesture of warmth and respect”, said Mohammad Younus Wani, a Kashmir based academic with expertise in Central Asian history.
Wani said that Napoleon Bonaparte helped popularise it internationally when he presented a Kashmiri Pashmina to his first wife, Josephine, as a token of affection.
Over the centuries, the practice evolved from gifting royalty to a modern diplomatic tool.
“Once the prerogative of emperors and monarchs, these gifts have become instruments of diplomacy, signalling respect, cultural exchange and mutual appreciation,” Hussain said.
“The recent presentation of Kashmiri saffron to the Russian head of state highlights this continuity,” he added.
Hussain said that India continues to use saffron, Pashmina and many other handicraft items from across the country as soft-power instruments to promote cultural heritage and artisanal excellence.
For Kashmir’s saffron cultivators and craftsmen, the gesture carries symbolic weight.
“We are happy that our Prime Minister gifted Putin Kashmiri saffron. It is the highest recognition of our heritage crops and handicrafts,” said Ali Mohammad, a saffron cultivator from Pampore.
Published on December 7, 2025