Media365
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has opened the doors of India’s Toshakhana to the public through an e-auction, offering nearly 300 diplomatic gifts received by senior government officials during official foreign visits over the years.
The auction, which began on June 8 and will conclude on June 30, features a wide range of heritage, ceremonial and collectible items, with reserve prices ranging from Rs 2,385 to Rs 17 lakh.
Among the marquee items attracting strong interest are two Rolex Yacht Master II watches, each with a base price of Rs 16.5 lakh, which have already received multiple bids, pushing the highest offer to nearly Rs 16.79 lakh.
Other premium offerings include a silver ceremonial dagger from Oman, a silver tea set crafted in London, an Apple MacBook Pro, decorative silver artefacts and a gold jewellery set from Kuwait by the Al Arbash brand.
One of the most sought-after collectibles is an antique silver box, believed to have entered the Toshakhana in the 1980s. Originally designed as a luxury cigar or cigarette case, the item has attracted 29 bids, with the highest bid crossing Rs 52,000 against a reserve price of Rs 12,030.
Another notable lot is a decorative silver box featuring two gold-plated dragons and containing a 20-gram Argor Heraeus gold biscuit from Switzerland. The item, which carries a starting price of Rs 3.92 lakh, has already received eight bids, taking the current bid to over Rs 4.06 lakh.
Officials said the auction has been enabled under the revised Toshakhana Rules, 2024, marking the first time members of the general public can purchase items from the government repository. The previous auction, held in 1983, was restricted to employees at the MEA headquarters.
The base price for each item has been determined by a government-appointed evaluation committee and includes the assessed value along with packing and delivery charges. Successful bidders will receive free delivery after the auction closes.
The proceeds from the sale will be deposited into the Consolidated Fund of India.
Officials said the current auction includes gifts received by government officers from the Foreign Secretary and below. The ministry is planning a subsequent auction that will include diplomatic gifts received by former External Affairs Ministers.
The Toshakhana serves as the official repository for gifts and mementoes presented to Indian government functionaries by foreign governments, dignitaries and other international sources. Most items offered in the auction are intended as heritage, ceremonial, decorative or collectible pieces rather than for commercial or functional use.
