PM Modi Gifts Kashmiri Walnut Wood Panel to Swiss President Parmelin

New Delhi, Oct 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hosted Swiss President Guy Parmelin for wide-ranging talks on strengthening India-Switzerland ties, while gifting him a hand-carved Kashmiri walnut wood wall panel, highlighting the rich craftsmanship of Jammu and Kashmir.
Parmelin, who began his three-day state visit to India on Monday, held discussions with Modi on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, mobility and critical technologies. The Swiss President also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and will meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour.
Among the gifts presented by Modi were three award-winning Indian cheeses—Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor—and the intricately carved Kashmiri walnut wood panel.
The Gulmarg cheese, a French-style, heart-shaped soft and creamy Brie made from pasteurised cow’s milk, won a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil, an international cheese and dairy products competition.
The Kashmiri walnut wood panel showcased the region’s centuries-old tradition of intricate wood carving and craftsmanship, placing Jammu and Kashmir’s distinctive handicraft heritage in the spotlight during the high-level diplomatic engagement.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders were set to discuss the many dimensions of the India-Switzerland partnership and explore new opportunities to deepen bilateral ties.
Jaishankar, after meeting Parmelin, said he appreciated the Swiss President’s sentiments towards deepening the partnership, building on the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).
The agreement, signed in March 2024 after nearly 16 years of negotiations, provides for EFTA states—Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway—to invest USD 100 billion in India over 15 years.
More than 330 Swiss companies currently operate in India across sectors including engineering, services, precision instruments, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, while Indian companies have a presence in Switzerland in IT, pharmaceuticals and machinery.