First Lady Dr. Jill Biden received a 7.5-carat lab-grown diamond valued at $20,000 as a gift from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to a report released by the State Department on January 2, 2025.

This diamond, presented on June 22, 2023, during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the United States, was the most valuable gift received by either the President or First Lady from a foreign leader in 2023. The State Department notes that the diamond has been “retained for official use in the East Wing.”

Other notable gifts “retained for official use,” include a calligraphy piece titled “The Ship in the Sky,” gifted by Sugako Hamazaki, the wife of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Yuko. Valued at $2,500, the gift was presented on June 13, 2023. Another item, a “Steel Fragment Forget-Me-Not Flower Brooch,” valued at $14,063, is also “retained for official use.” This was gifted by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, on February 7, 2023.

National Archives and Transfer Details

Most gifts presented to the President and First Lady have already been transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). However, a spokesperson for the First Lady confirmed that the diamond from PM Modi will be turned over to NARA after the President and First Lady leave office. Recipients may also choose to purchase gifts from the federal government at their market value.

Other noted gifts received by the First Lady from other international leaders and their spouses include: Delvaux Pouch; Brown Lip Shell Jewelry Box; Swarovski Necklace, Earrings, Ring; Eye of Horus Necklace, Egyptian Wood Inlaid Shell Purse; Scarf, Book Titled “Carthage – Fact and Myth,” Sculpture, Traditional Sweets; Wine, Handkerchiefs; and Pair of Bangles. All of these have already been sent to NARA.

Gift Documentation and Reporting

The State Department’s Chief of Protocol compiles an annual list of gifts received by U.S. officials from foreign governments. This list includes tangible items and travel-related gifts exceeding the minimal value threshold of $480 for 2023. The latest report for the calendar year 2023 will be published in the Federal Register on January 3, 2025, and will be available online for the public. 

PM Modi’s Gifts to President Biden

Prime Minister Modi also presented President Joe Biden with a “Carved Sandalwood Box,” a Book titled “The Ten Principal Upanishads,” a Statue, and an Oil Lamp valued at $6,232 on June 22, 2023. These items were transferred to NARA. Additionally, President Biden received a painting valued at $1,000 from PM Modi on November 15, 2022, also transferred to NARA.

Gifts to Other U.S. Officials

Deputy Assistant to the President and Coordinator for Indo- Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell, also a “Wall Hanging,” from PM Modi on August 1, 2023. The gift valued at $850.00 is pending transfer to the General Services Administration (GSA).

The report also revealed that National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, received a “Wooden Elephant Sculpture,” valued at $638 from India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, on July 1, 2023. This gift is pending transfer to GSA. Doval also presented a “Silver Jaguar Statue,” to Sullivan valued at $485, on January 31, 2023. The gift is also pending transfer to GSA. 

Homeland Security Advisor to the President, Elizabeth Sherwood- Randall, also received a “Silver Elephant Sculpture,” valued at $3,980 on September 23, 2022. The gift was presented by Deputy National Security Advisor, Rajinder Khanna to Sherwood-Randall. It is also pending transfer to GSA.

Khanna also presented a “Silver Candlestick, Silver Picture Frame,” to Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber & Emerging Technology, Anne Neuberger, on July 1, 2022. This gift valued at $515.00 is also pending transfer to GSA.

UK and Pakistan Prime Ministers Gift to President Biden 

Indian-origin, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Rishi Sunak, also presented a “Glass Thomas Lyte Bowl,” to President Biden on July 10, 2023. Estimated at $900.00, this gift was already transferred to NARA. 

Also, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, presented a “Rug in Velvet Case,” valued at $525.00 to President Biden on October 20, 2022. This was also transferred to NARA.

Heads of State and Government from other countries such as Ukraine, China, Pakistan, Germany, Israel, Ireland, Egypt, Ghana, Tunisia, Mauritius, Brazil, Australia, South Korea, Japan, Philippines also presented gifts to President Biden. 

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