Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin on his two‑day visit to India by presenting a hand‑picked assortment of gifts that showcased India’s heritage, artistic traditions and cultural depth.
Among the presents were Kashmiri saffron (locally called “Zafran”), Maharashtrian handicrafts, Assam tea, a hand‑carved marble chess set, and a Russian‑edited copy of the Bhagavad Gita. The saffron, grown in Jammu and Kashmir, is prized for its hue, fragrance, flavor and wide range of health benefits.
Gifting the saffron made local residents feel a strong sense of pride, as it highlighted the spice’s cultural and culinary importance worldwide. “PM Modi has a special affection for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said Burhan Din, who said the choice of saffron—an emblem of the region—was an honour. He urged farmers to expand cultivation now that global leaders are taking notice.
Social activist Syed Akhtar Hussain echoed this sentiment, noting that every item from Kashmir is valuable and that saffron represents that uniqueness. He mentioned that Modi’s gesture has placed Kashmiri saffron on the international stage, boosting prospects for job creation and reducing youth unemployment.
Even tourists in the valley appreciated the milestone. One visitor remarked, “PM Modi’s gift of Kashmiri saffron to Putin piqued our curiosity. We’d love to buy authentic saffron and bring it home, while supporting the hardworking farmers who should get more recognition.”
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