New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched an e-auction of nearly 300 items from the Toshakhana, the official repository of gifts and ceremonial items received by Indian government functionaries from foreign dignitaries during official visits and diplomatic engagements.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has placed a Rolex Yacht Master II luxury watch among nearly 300 diplomatic gifts on public display through its first-ever Toshakhana e-auction, offering citizens an opportunity to bid on items received by Indian government officials from foreign dignitaries.
The online auction, which began on June 8, will conclude on June 30, according to the official e-auction portal. The collection includes luxury watches, jewellery, decorative artefacts, paintings, carpets, ceremonial souvenirs, and other gifts presented during official state visits and diplomatic engagements.
One of the most notable items in the auction is the Rolex Yacht Master II, a high-end luxury timepiece known for its nautical-inspired design. Also featured is a jewellery set from Kuwait's Al Arbash brand, along with several other premium gift items.
The reserve prices of the articles range from Rs 2,385 for smaller collectibles to around Rs 17 lakh for some of the most valuable pieces, reflecting the diversity of items available in the auction.
The Toshakhana is the official repository that houses gifts, souvenirs and ceremonial items received by Indian government functionaries from foreign sources. Under government rules, such gifts are deposited with the Toshakhana and managed according to established guidelines.
The MEA said the e-auction is intended to make selected Toshakhana items accessible to the public while ensuring transparency in the disposal of government-held ceremonial gifts. Interested buyers can place bids through the official e-auction platform until the auction closes on June 30.
Sources: PTI