Agra, December 6 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a hand‑crafted marble chess set from the city to Russian President Vladimir Putin, an act that has lifted the spirits of the local artisans and exporters alike.
Agra, renowned worldwide for its marble handicrafts, hosts a bustling industry with many major exporters, and Modi’s gift sparked a genuine wave of enthusiasm among the community.
Marble craftsman Umar, who has spent almost two decades in the trade, called the Prime Minister’s gesture historic. “India’s traditional art is now gaining recognition on the international stage,” he told LatestNewsX. “This gesture from PM Modi will undoubtedly encourage Agra’s age‑old craft. Demand for marble handicraft items will rise globally, and small artisans will benefit from more employment opportunities.”
When asked about how the chess set is made, Umar explained that each set requires 10 to 15 days of meticulous handwork. The raw stone used comes from Vietnam, Bangladesh and Italy, before it is transformed into fine marble art. He expressed gratitude to Modi for giving international visibility to the hard work of Agra’s artisans.
Meanwhile, Adnan Sheikh, owner of an export house that deals in marble handicrafts, said the Prime Minister’s gesture carries deep diplomatic and cultural significance. “Gifting a marble chess set to the head of another nation shows PM Modi’s bold global vision. It gives international recognition to Agra’s hidden artistic identity,” he said. Sheikh added that Modi’s foreign policy is dynamic and continues to support small traders and artisans.
With the support of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Modi’s leadership has launched several initiatives that benefit local businesses. According to Sheikh, the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is helping small traders reach mainstream markets through job fairs, exhibitions, and direct connections between buyers and manufacturers, thereby eliminating middlemen. “This step by the Prime Minister is revolutionary,” he noted. “It will benefit artisans and businesses in the long run. By gifting this handcrafted chess set, PM Modi has not just presented a product, but facilitated a cultural exchange,” he added.
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