Guwahati | Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Assam’s renowned Manohari Gold Tea to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during his recent official visit, showcasing one of India’s most exclusive specialty teas as part of a curated collection of traditional gifts highlighting the country’s cultural and artisanal heritage.

Produced at the Manohari Tea Estate in Assam, Manohari Gold Tea is considered among India’s finest premium teas. It is crafted exclusively from the tender buds of the P126 tea clone and is known for its distinctive golden appearance, delicate flavour profile and limited production.

The tea undergoes a meticulous manufacturing process during Assam’s second flush season in June. The buds are hand-plucked, hand-rolled and naturally sun-dried, contributing to the tea’s unique character and exceptional quality.

The inclusion of Manohari Gold Tea in the diplomatic gift package reflects India’s efforts to promote its traditional products and agricultural excellence on the global stage.

Reacting to the gesture, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the Prime Minister’s decision to present the tea to President Subianto had brought international recognition to one of Assam’s rarest and most celebrated tea varieties.

In a post on social media platform X, Sarma noted that Prime Minister Modi had earlier visited the Manohari Tea Estate and spent a night there, interacting with tea garden workers. He said the visit highlighted the Prime Minister’s appreciation for Assam’s tea industry and the contribution of its workforce.

Alongside the Assam tea, Modi presented several traditional Indian handicrafts to the Indonesian leader. These included an Aipan artwork, a traditional folk art form from Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, known for its intricate geometric and ritualistic motifs.

The Prime Minister also gifted a handcrafted Kashmiri papier-mâché bowl featuring detailed floral and bird designs, as well as a repoussé silver decorative plate adorned with elephant and floral patterns.

The gifts formed part of India’s cultural diplomacy efforts, showcasing the country’s rich traditions, craftsmanship and regional specialties while strengthening bilateral ties with Indonesia.