President Lee Jae-myung presented customized gifts to the leaders of India and Vietnam during his state visits to the respective countries. The Presidential Office announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India received a miniature Pensive Bodhisattva statue and a tiger ink painting, while General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam was presented with a Haetae and pine tree folk painting. This is regarded as a meticulous diplomatic strategy that respects the culture and governance philosophy of the host nations.

During President Lee Jae-myung's state visits to India and Vietnam, the customized gift diplomacy, which deeply considered the preferences and governance philosophies of the host leaders, garnered significant attention. The Presidential Office explained that these gifts symbolize a deep understanding and friendship between the two nations, going beyond mere ceremonial presentations. This diplomatic move served as an important strategic tool to showcase Korea's cultural depth and strengthen personal bonds with the leaders of the host countries. In particular, the selection of gifts reflecting each leader's disposition and national symbols is expected to contribute to elevating diplomatic relations and establishing a foundation for long-term cooperation.

▲ Customized Gift Strategy for Indian Leaders

President Lee presented Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a bronze miniature Pensive Bodhisattva statue and a tiger ink painting. Lee Kyu-yeon, Senior Secretary for Public Relations and Communication at the Presidential Office, emphasized the historical significance of Buddhist thought originating in India and flourishing in Silla, explaining that Modi's contemplative and philosophical nature was considered. The tiger ink painting reportedly reflects the commonality that both Korea and India regard the tiger as a symbolic animal. By delivering gifts embodying the essence of Korean Buddhist culture to India, the birthplace of Buddhism, the gesture is interpreted as emphasizing cultural ties and conveying a message of hope for spiritual exchange between the two nations. This delicate gift selection reveals an intention to contribute to building rapport and trust between the leaders, utilizing not only Prime Minister Modi's personal preferences but also the historical and cultural commonalities of both countries.

Furthermore, President Lee presented Indian President Droupadi Murmu, who enjoys meditation, with a traditional Korean meditation set and traditional Korean herbal cosmetics. This is interpreted as an attempt to form a human connection beyond formal diplomatic relations, demonstrating respect and consideration for the host leader's personal preferences. The traditional meditation set is evaluated as introducing Korea's unique spiritual culture while meticulously reflecting President Murmu's tastes. The traditional Korean herbal cosmetics also indirectly showcased the excellence of Korean beauty technology and traditional medicine, embodying both practicality and cultural value. Gifts that consider individual preferences play a crucial role in broadening the scope of diplomacy and fostering mutual understanding.

▲ Gift Diplomacy Considering Vietnamese Leaders' Preferences

During the visit to Vietnam, General Secretary and State President To Lam was presented with a folk painting featuring Haetae and pine trees. Senior Secretary Lee Kyu-yeon stated that this choice considered General Secretary To Lam's governance philosophy, which has emphasized anti-corruption and integrity. Haetae is a mythical creature symbolizing justice and integrity, while the pine tree signifies steadfastness and fidelity. This folk painting, imbued with such symbolism, is analyzed as expressing respect for General Secretary To Lam's core governance philosophy and conveying a message that Korea also understands and supports his values. This is evaluated as a strategic approach that fosters policy consensus and deepens trust between the two nations.

The Presidential Office also prepared a framed speaker featuring caricatures of General Secretary To Lam and his wife, reflecting General Secretary To Lam's preference for classical music. This demonstrates meticulous consideration for the recipient's personal hobbies, highlighting the human and intimate aspects of summit diplomacy. Furthermore, General Secretary To Lam's spouse, Madame Ngo Phuong Ly, received a National Museum of Korea souvenir set, Korean beauty devices, and a mother-of-pearl box engraved with butterflies and arabesque patterns. These gifts, combining Korea's traditional cultural heritage with modern beauty technology, provided an opportunity to showcase Korea's diverse charms to the Vietnamese First Lady. Such gifts go beyond mere presentations of items, clearly demonstrating Korea's diplomatic stance of respecting the other party's culture and personal preferences.

▲ Trust-Building Effects Through Cultural Exchange

Lee Kyu-yeon, Senior Secretary for Public Relations and Communication at the Presidential Office, emphasized, "Through meticulous gifts, we expressed friendship and trust towards the leaders." President Lee Jae-myung's gift diplomacy is evaluated as having served as an important means to convey a message of deep understanding and respect for the characteristics and cultures of each nation's leaders. This aims to build genuine friendly relations beyond superficial ties and can serve as a foundation for further solidifying diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two countries in the future. Promoting mutual understanding through cultural exchange is considered an essential element in resolving diplomatic challenges and establishing long-term partnerships.

This meticulous approach has strengthened Korea's image as a cultural powerhouse and served as an example of demonstrating its diplomatic capabilities using soft power in the international community. In particular, the customized gift strategy, encompassing the host country's history, culture, personal preferences, and governance philosophy, is expected to maximize the effectiveness of summit diplomacy and significantly contribute to fostering a positive perception of Korea. The gift diplomacy announced by the Presidential Office on April 24, 2026, is highly significant as it broadens the horizons of Korean diplomacy and lays a positive foundation for future relations. Korea is expected to exert even stronger influence in the international community through such cultural diplomacy in the future.