New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented handcrafted stoles inspired by Manipur’s iconic Shirui Lily and Assam’s traditional Eri silk to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during their interaction, highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and cultural symbolism through diplomacy.

The Shirui Lily silk stole, inspired by Manipur’s rare state flower, drew attention to the Northeast’s indigenous artistry and traditions. The Shirui Lily grows exclusively on the Shirui Kashong Peak in Manipur’s Ukhrul district and is deeply revered by the Tangkhul Naga community as a symbol of purity, identity and cultural pride.

Featuring the flower’s distinctive pale pinkish-white, bell-shaped bloom, the handwoven stole reflected the folklore and craftsmanship of the Tangkhul people while showcasing the intricate textile traditions of Northeast India.

Beyond its regional significance, the gift also carried a broader cultural resonance linking India and Italy. The lily has long held symbolic importance in Italian culture, often representing purity, grace and artistic refinement and featuring prominently in Renaissance art and architecture.

Alongside the Shirui Lily stole, Modi also gifted Meloni an Eri silk stole, spotlighting Assam’s celebrated handloom legacy and sustainable textile practices.

Often referred to as Assam’s “peace silk,” Eri silk is known for its soft texture, warmth and eco-friendly production process. Unlike conventional silk, Eri silk is produced without harming the silkworm, making it one of the world’s most ethically produced natural fibres.

Widely used in traditional Assamese garments and handwoven fabrics, Eri silk is valued for its durability, thermal properties and breathable, moisture-absorbing qualities, helping it gain recognition beyond the Northeast and international appreciation for sustainable fashion.

Officials said the exchange reflected more than a diplomatic courtesy, serving as a form of cultural storytelling that celebrated India’s handloom heritage while underscoring shared values of tradition, craftsmanship and sustainability between India and Italy.