ADVERTISEMENTs
.png)
Modi’s $20,000 diamond is priciest present to Bidens
The 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond was gifted to First Lady Jill Biden.
File photo of US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. / Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift of a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond, valued at $20,000, to First Lady Jill Biden has emerged as the most expensive gift presented to the Biden family in 2023, according to the annual report released by the U.S. State Department. The diamond, described as exquisite with a touch of finesse, was officially retained for use in the East Wing of the White House.
President Joe Biden also received several high-value gifts from foreign dignitaries, with Prime Minister Modi presenting him with a carved sandalwood box, a statue, an oil lamp, and a book titled The Ten Principal Upanishads, collectively valued at $6,232. These gifts were transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Additionally, Modi gifted Biden a painting worth $1,000 during a separate visit in 2022, which was also transferred to NARA.
High-value gifts from other world leaders
President Biden received gifts from several global leaders in 2023. These gifts were transferred to the NARA, as required under U.S. law for gifts exceeding minimal values. The highest-value items are:
- Commemorative Photo Album from South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol: Valued at $7,100.
- Statue of Mongolian Warriors from the Mongolian Prime Minister: Valued at $3,495.
- Silver Bowl from the Sultan of Brunei: Valued at $3,300.
- Sterling Silver Tray from the President of Israel: Valued at $3,160.
- Collage from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Valued at $2,400.
Gifts to other U.S. officials from India
India’s high-profile gifting extended beyond the First Family, with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Modi presenting significant items to senior U.S. officials:
- Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor: A metal statue of a wildebeest valued at $2,100 and a wooden elephant sculpture worth $638. Both items are pending transfer to the General Services Administration (GSA).
- Kurt Campbell, Indo-Pacific Affairs Coordinator: A wall hanging valued at $850, pending transfer to the GSA.
- Anne Neuberger, Deputy NSA for Cyber & Emerging Technology: A silver candlestick and picture frame valued at $515, pending transfer to the GSA.
Gifts to U.S. legislators and Federal Reserve officials
Indian gifts extended to key U.S. legislators and Federal Reserve officials as well. All gifts were recorded as either transferred to the GSA or retained officially to avoid diplomatic embarrassment under U.S. protocols. They are:
- Philip N. Jefferson, Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board: Sadeli wooden box, a filigree woodcraft replica of Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, and multiple embroidered and artistic items totaling $602.10.
- Senator Mitch McConnell: A jali work box valued at $125.
- Senator Chuck Schumer: A camel bone box valued at $125.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
_(cropped) (1).jpg)
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login