Biden’s Wife Receives $20,000 Diamond from PM Modi, But She Won’t Use It

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

1. During his June 2023 visit, Prime Minister Modi gifted a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond to US President Biden and his wife, Jill Biden.
2. The $20,000 diamond became the most expensive gift the US First Family received in 2023.
3. The diamond will be stored in the White House East Wing for official purposes, and Jill Biden cannot use it personally.
4. According to US law, expensive gifts like these are transferred to the National Archives after a president’s term ends.
5. Jill Biden has the option to purchase the diamond from the government at market value once Biden’s term concludes.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

The Synthetic Diamond Gift from PM Modi

In June 2023, during his visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented several gifts to President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden. Among these, the most eye-catching was a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond, valued at $20,000 (approximately 15 lakh rupees). This diamond, produced and polished in Surat, India, has become the most expensive gift the US First Family has received in 2023, making headlines across the world.

Restrictions on the Diamond’s Use

Jill Biden will not be able to use this gift personally. Under US law, expensive gifts received by the First Family must be handled according to strict protocols. The diamond, instead of being kept for personal use, will be stored in the White House East Wing for official purposes. As per standard procedures, the gift will later be handed over to the National Archives at the end of President Biden’s term.

Legal Protocols and Gift Handling

In the United States, there are established laws regarding the handling of gifts received by federal officials and their families. Any gift valued at $480 or more must be reported, and its disposal is subject to legal procedures. While smaller gifts may be kept for personal use, higher-value items, especially from foreign dignitaries, are generally transferred to the National Archives. Jill Biden could potentially purchase this high-value item from the US government, although such cases are rare.

Other Expensive Gifts to the Bidens

In addition to the synthetic diamond, Jill Biden received other valuable gifts, including a $14,063 brooch from Ukraine’s ambassador and a $4,510 set of items from Egypt’s leaders, comprising a bracelet, brooch, and photo album. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden also received luxury items such as a ,100 commemorative album from South Korea’s impeached president and a ,495 statue from the Mongolian Prime Minister.

A Key Point to Remember:

• The 7.5-carat synthetic diamond, given to Jill Biden, is valued at $20,000 and will be kept at the White House for official use.
• Under US law, valuable gifts are transferred to the National Archives at the end of a president’s term.
• Jill Biden may have the chance to purchase this diamond from the US government if desired.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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