During Swiss President Guy Parmelin's three-day state visit to India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented him with a distinctive diplomatic gift: three award-winning Indian artisanal cheeses. This gesture not only honored Switzerland's renowned cheese tradition but also showcased India's burgeoning reputation in high-quality, handcrafted dairy products.
A Taste of India's Dairy Excellence
The selection of cheeses, crafted by Mumbai-based Eleftheria Cheese, blends international cheese-making techniques with unique Indian identities and flavors. Each cheese has garnered significant international acclaim:
- Gulmarg: A soft, heart-shaped Brie-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It features a snowy-white rind and boasts earthy, mushroom-like flavors. Gulmarg achieved a prestigious Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil.
- Konark: Inspired by the French Tomme style, this cheese presents a rustic natural rind, a supple texture, and savory, earthy notes with a distinctive lemony finish. Konark secured a Gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards in Norway and a Silver in Switzerland in 2025.
- Yeoor: An Alpine-style cheese, drawing inspiration from the Swiss Gruyère. Aged for eight to nine months, Yeoor develops complex nutty, sweet, and herbaceous flavors. Its rind is uniquely adorned with rose petals and fennel, giving it a distinct Indian character.
The choice of Yeoor, in particular, was symbolic, directly referencing one of Switzerland's most famous cheeses and placing Indian artisanal products in direct dialogue with a globally recognized dairy culture.
Beyond Cheese: Other Diplomatic Gifts
In addition to the celebrated cheeses, PM Modi presented President Parmelin with a hand-carved Kashmiri walnut wood wall panel, highlighting India's rich traditional craftsmanship. For the Swiss President's wife, Caroline Parmelin, the Prime Minister gifted a vibrant Kutchi shawl presented in an intricate Sadeli box. These items underscored Gujarat's artistic heritage and the skill of its artisans, further enriching the cultural exchange during the state visit.
The exchange of these thoughtful gifts served as a blend of culinary diplomacy and cultural representation, showcasing Indian products and traditions that are increasingly gaining recognition on the international stage.