Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to France proved to be a remarkable affair, as he participated in the French National Day celebrations as the Guest of Honour during the Bastille Day Parade in Paris. The visit also witnessed a significant exchange of gifts, showcasing the cultural appreciation between India and France. PM Modi presented thoughtfully curated gifts, handcrafted by indigenous artisans, to President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and President of the National Assembly of France Yelle Braun-Pivet. The offerings included a hand-knitted silk Kashmiri carpet for Yael Braun-Pivet and a sandalwood hand-carved elephant Ambavari for Gerard Larcher, President of the French Senate. In a unique artistic gesture, Prime Minister Modi gifted President Macron a sandalwood replica of the sitar, a renowned Indian musical instrument. The decorative replica depicted images of Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and music, and Lord Ganesha. Crafted from pure sandalwood, the intricate carvings on the replica showcased the national bird of India, the
