Silk, leather, Moradabad brass: The India gifts Chancellor Merz took back, and what they signify

India presented German Chancellor Friedrich Merz Patola silk, a DA62 aircraft replica and a leather logbook, signalling craft-led diplomacy and bilateral ties.

• India gifted German Chancellor Merz a silk kite, brass plane, and leather logbook.
• Gifts showcase Indian craftsmanship and ties to aviation, engineering sectors
• Aircraft replica and logbook symbolize precision and leadership values.

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India presented German Chancellor Friedrich Merz with a set of craft-led gifts, including a Patola silk kite, a brass aircraft replica and a custom leather pilot logbook, during his just-concluded visit, officials told PTI on Wednesday.

The selection foregrounded Indian artisanal traditions while drawing direct links to aviation and engineering, sectors central to India–Germany cooperation.

Aviation-linked centrepiece

Among the gifts was a hand-crafted brass replica of Merz’s Diamond DA62 propeller aircraft, produced by artisans in Moradabad, an internationally recognised metalworking hub. Finished with gold plating, the replica blends technical precision with traditional craftsmanship, officials said.

Inspired by an aircraft associated with efficiency and safety, the piece symbolises forward-looking leadership and responsible governance, PTI was told, framing German aeronautical design through Indian metalcraft.

Leather logbook with functional intent

The German leader also received a custom pilot logbook made from high-quality leather selected for durability and ageing. Featuring subtle gold embossing, the logbook combines functional design with restrained aesthetics.

Produced in India, the logbook reflects the country’s long-standing leatherworking tradition adapted to contemporary use. Officials said the object emphasises precision, consistency and foresight, values common to both aviation and leadership.

Patola silk as cultural signal

A wall-mountable silk kite crafted from Patola silk, originating in Patan, completed the set. Patola is woven using the rare double-ikat technique, in which both warp and weft threads are resist-dyed before weaving, resulting in identical motifs on both sides.

Shaped into a kite, the textile draws on India’s cultural association of kite flying with aspiration and freedom, transforming a fleeting object into a permanent artefact, officials said. The geometric and floral patterns symbolise balance and continuity.