Highlights:
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The US disclosed foreign gifts received by officials during calendar year 2024
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted President Joe Biden items including a wooden chest, saffron, and a silver train set
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Perishable gifts such as tea and saffron were disposed of under US Secret Service rules
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High-value gifts were transferred to the US National Archives or the General Services Administration
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Disclosure is required under US law to prevent conflicts of interest and diplomatic embarrassment
The US State Department has released an official compilation detailing gifts received by American leaders and senior officials from Indian government representatives during calendar year 2024. The disclosure was issued by the Office of the Chief of Protocol, in line with long-standing US federal requirements governing transparency and ethics in foreign relations.
Under US law, officials are required to report foreign gifts that exceed a defined “minimal value” threshold. For 2024, that threshold was set at $480. Any gift above this amount must be formally disclosed and either surrendered to the US government, transferred to federal custody, or disposed of under established rules. The purpose is to ensure accountability, avoid conflicts of interest, and maintain public trust in the conduct of US diplomacy.
The report covers both physical items and gifts related to travel or travel-related expenses provided by foreign governments, including India.
US records gifts presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
One of the most closely noted entries in the US disclosure involves gifts presented by Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to then US president Joe Biden during high-level engagements.
According to the report, Modi presented Biden with a set of items on September 10, 2023, during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi. The gift package included a wooden chest, a scarf, saffron contained in a jar, and a wooden tea box. The combined estimated value of these items was listed at $562.
In line with US regulations, the non-perishable items — the wooden chest, scarf, jar, and tea box — were transferred to the US National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The saffron and tea were categorized as perishable goods and were disposed of in accordance with US Secret Service policies.
Another significant gift from Modi to Biden was recorded on July 16, 2024. This item was a sterling silver metal train set, valued at $7,750. As required under US law, the train set was transferred to the National Archives.
Gifts to the first lady and senior US officials
The US disclosure also documents gifts received by other prominent American leaders from Indian officials.
Former First Lady Jill Biden received a pashmina shawl from Modi on October 21, 2024. The shawl was valued at $2,969 and was transferred to the US National Archives.
Former vice president Kamala Harris received a “Lord Krishna Raas Leela” silver box from Modi on October 18, 2024. The item carried an estimated value of $1,330 and was transferred to NARA. On the same day, Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff, received a pair of cufflinks valued at $585.65, which were also archived under US procedures.
US disclosure includes gifts from other Indian officials
Beyond gifts from the Indian prime minister, the US report lists items presented by other senior Indian government figures.
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval gifted a Kashmir pashmina scarf with a presentation box to then US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan on August 23, 2024. The scarf, valued at $599, was transferred to the US General Services Administration (GSA).
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gifted a Shiva Nataraja bronze statue to then US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on November 24, 2022. The statue was valued at $3,700 and is currently listed as pending transfer to the GSA under US records.
Why the US accepts and documents foreign gifts
The US State Department report includes a section titled “Circumstances Justifying Acceptance,” which explains why such gifts are accepted despite strict ethics rules. Refusing gifts from foreign leaders could cause diplomatic embarrassment to both the donor and the US government. As a result, US officials may accept gifts on behalf of the government, provided they are declared and handled according to federal law.
The disclosure offers insight into how the US manages symbolic diplomatic exchanges while maintaining legal and ethical safeguards. By publicly documenting these gifts, the US aims to balance diplomatic courtesy with transparency, ensuring that gestures of goodwill remain institutional rather than personal.
