What Modi gave Jill Biden, dubbed 2023's costliest gift
What's the story
United States First Lady Jill Biden was gifted a $20,000 diamond by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
The 7.5-carat lab-grown gem, placed in a traditional Kashmiri papier mache box called "kar-e-kalamdani," was the priciest gift received by the White House that year.
The US State Department revealed this in its annual report on gifts presented to the Bidens by foreign dignitaries, released on January 2, 2025.
Gift details
Other high-value gifts received by the Bidens
The second most expensive gift was a $14,063 brooch from the Ukrainian ambassador to the US. A bracelet, brooch, and photograph album worth $4,510 from Egypt's president and first lady came third.
President Joe Biden also received a number of valuable gifts from world leaders.
These included a $7,100 commemorative photo album from South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and a $3,495 statue of Mongolian warriors from Mongolia's prime minister.
Gift declaration
Federal law mandates declaration of gifts over $480
Other gifts to President Biden included a $3,300 silver bowl from the Sultan of Brunei and a $3,160 sterling silver tray from Israel's president.
A collage worth $2,400 was also gifted by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Federal law mandates executive branch officials declare gifts valued over $480. Most expensive gifts are transferred to the National Archives or put on official displays.
Diamond's fate
Modi's diamond retained for official use in White House
The diamond gifted by PM Modi has been retained for official use in the White House East Wing.
Oher gifts received by President Biden and his wife were sent to the National Archives.
Recipients have the option to purchase gifts at market value from the US government, though this is rare for high-end items.