PM Modi presented Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with a distinctive Silofar Panchamrit Kalash (Pot), a display of the exquisite artisanal heritage of Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
Crafted from premium silver, the vessel included floral patterns, divine figures, and authentic Kolhapur patterns. Designed for religious observances, the Kalash features a practical handle and lid, making it ideal for distributing Panchamrit – the sacred blend of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.
During the Nigeria visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the country’s second-highest national honor, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to Abuja.
PM Modi, the second foreign dignitary after Queen Elizabeth II to receive the award, dedicated it to the people of India and the India-Nigeria friendship. President Tinubu lauded his leadership and electoral achievements. “Today, as I accept this honor, I do so with great humility. This award symbolises not just the bond between our two nations but also our collective commitment to democracy, development, and mutual prosperity,” he said.
This marked the first visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria in 17 years, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. BJP leaders including Union ministers Jaishankar, Nitin Gadkari and Piyush Goyal highlighted the honor as a testament to deepening ties and Global South cooperation.
After Nigeria visit concluded, PM Modi landed in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night (early Monday in India) as part of his three-nation tour to attend the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit.