Rolex Watches, Gold Biscuits & Bhagavad Gita: A Sneak Peek Into MEA's ‘Toshakhana'
In India's official repository of diplomatic gifts, entries range from a small leather pouch worth Rs 200 to opulent Rs 25-40 lakh Rolex watches and royal-mint gold coins
News18
From Rolex watches to an ancient Gita, gold biscuits to ivory coffee tables—the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) official 'Toshakhana' records analysed by News18 open a rare window into the glittering and often surprising world of diplomatic gifting
From bottles of imported wine, a snake plush (toy), exclusive sarees to ivory crafted tables, gold-diamond-crystal jewelleries, models of temples, Bhagavad Gita and high-end Rolex watches with other collectors' items, the Toshakhana—India's official repository of diplomatic gifts—has items that always intrigue the masses.
The value of a single gift item, as received, may range from a mere Rs 200 to over Rs 50 to 60 lakh. Complying with the policy and administrative decision, the government takes a call on what will stay as 'submitted' and what is to be 'returned' to the recipient.
The official lists, available with the ministry, show the range and scale of these offerings, formally submitted by ministers and diplomats to the repository in accordance with government rules.
Among the standout names, the prime minister, minister of external affairs and the foreign secretary across governments emerge as the dignitaries with the highest number of declared gifts, followed by several other Indian envoys and senior officials. The entries range from modest—like a small leather pouch worth Rs 200 or a Jacob's Creek wine worth Rs 800 or Red Label Whiskey of Rs 1,000—to opulent Rs 25-40 lakh Rolex watches, gold biscuits, royal-mint gold coins, ivory-inlaid tables, and other high-value curios handed over by foreign guests and groups.
However, the most intriguing entries in the MEA's Toshakhana log are a bundle of high-value items received from anonymous givers in 2018. The gifts include gold biscuits of 20 grams each, silver coins, Hindu scriptures and wooden globes. This list also includes a fascinating Bhagavad Gita model worth Rs 36,000, a peacock figurine, and a wooden Veena replica to the high offices—all without traceable origins.
While the gifting culture is steeped in protocol and diplomacy, the records reveal an eclectic collection that would not look out of place in a high-end auction. These gifts are assessed and often retained or auctioned depending on their value, yet the list itself offers a fascinating peek into the soft power circuits of international relations.
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First Published:
July 16, 2025, 09:32 IST
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