Swiss President Guy Parmelin Receives Indian Cheese from Modi

On October 5, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Swiss President Guy Parmelin with a selection of Indian cheeses during a diplomatic meeting. This gesture underscores the growing cultural ties between India and Switzerland.

The cheeses gifted included three unique varieties from Eleftheria creamery in Mumbai, owned by Mausam Narang. Among them was Gulmarg, a heart-shaped Brie that recently won a Super Gold award in Brazil. Konark, inspired by the Sun Temple’s chariot wheel, secured gold at the World Cheese Awards 2023. The third cheese, Yeoor, is an eight to nine-month aged variant reminiscent of Gruyere, adorned with rose petals and fennel.

Historically, Indian dairy products hold significant cultural value. Milk has been an integral part of Indian traditions for millennia. The ancient Vedic texts discuss various forms of milk, reflecting its importance in Indian culture. The Rig Veda even makes references that some scholars interpret as related to cheese.

The act of gifting cheese to the Swiss President, a figure associated with a country known for its cheese production, was viewed as a symbolic diplomatic move. India produces about a quarter of the world’s milk, yet has only recently begun to establish a presence in the global cheese market.

Mausam Narang, the founder of Eleftheria, did not have a background in dairy before venturing into cheese production. After spending several years working in human resources in France and Germany, she returned to India and established her business in 2015. Narang's journey from a small rented space with one assistant to producing award-winning cheeses that are now served in luxury hotels such as the Taj and the Oberoi exemplifies the evolving landscape of Indian dairy.

The gifting of Indian cheese to President Parmelin does not merely end at dairy products; it also highlights the growing relationship between India and Switzerland, particularly in the educational and scientific sectors. The two nations have recently launched a new framework to enhance research and university collaboration, indicating a commitment to deepen ties in various domains.

As India positions itself more prominently in the global dairy industry, this gift of cheese has transformed a historically negative connotation of split milk into a positive symbol of diplomacy. The cultural exchange encapsulated in this gesture showcases the breadth of India's culinary offerings and its ability to engage with international counterparts meaningfully.