In a move that perfectly captures India’s meteoric economic rise, the nation gifted First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, a lab-grown diamond worth $20,000, (or ₹16,40,746 as on June 21, 2023, when PM Narendra Modi handed it over). This luxurious gesture not only cements bilateral ties but also serves as an elegant reminder to the world that India’s GDP is growing faster than your average pandemic rebound.

“The gift symbolizes the deep friendship between our two nations and, more importantly, the fact that India can afford nice things now,” said a government spokesperson, gleaming like a polished diamond himself. “This isn’t just a gift; it’s a metaphor for India’s trillion-dollar economy flexing its well-toned muscles on the global stage.”

India’s GDP is expected to grow by 6.3% this fiscal, a figure that has brought endless joy to statisticians, investment bankers, and anyone who enjoys dropping economic jargon at social gatherings. While the gift’s price tag might seem excessive, experts argue that it is a bargain when compared to the billions spent annually on defence deals, diplomatic tours, and meme-worthy red carpets.

“India’s economic boom has brought unprecedented prosperity,” said a leading economist. “We can now afford to splurge on symbolic gestures, proving we’ve come a long way from the ‘License Raj’ days when gifting even a decent watch required committee approval.”

POTUS & FLOTUS were left speechless by the thoughtful gift.
(Pic: International Gemological Institute)

Social media, predictably, exploded. While some applauded the gift as a sign of India’s arrival on the world stage, others couldn’t help but suggest alternative uses for the funds, such as building more schools, hospitals, or perhaps fixing that one road everyone complains about.

“I’m all for India showcasing its wealth, but couldn’t we have gifted something quintessentially Indian? Like a handloom sari or a set of Tupperware from your aunt’s forever-growing collection?” asked one user on X, formerly Twitter.

Meanwhile, Indian jewelers have reported a surge in inquiries about the “Biden Diamond”, as it has been informally dubbed. “It’s an honor for our craftsmanship to represent India on such a grand scale,” said a jeweler from Surat, the diamond capital of India. “Next, we’re hoping to bedazzle world leaders with monogrammed emerald cufflinks.”

For the US, the diamond has been described as a “thoughtful and unexpected” gift, with one White House insider noting, “It’s a refreshing change from the usual gift of mangoes and miniature Taj Mahal replicas.”

As India’s economic star continues to rise, there’s little doubt that the country will keep dazzling the world—with or without diamonds. For now, the First Lady’s brooch gift—the most expensive she received in 2023—serves as a sparkling testament to a nation that’s clearly determined to show it can shine as brightly as its GDP chart.

(This piece is intended to be taken as humour. It is not meant to offend anyone.)