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For the first time in India's history , the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has opened its prestigious Toshakhana collection for public bidding, allowing Indian citizens to own rare diplomatic gifts that were once accessible only to government officials.
The Toshakhana e-auction , which began on June 8, 2026 , features nearly 300 ceremonial gifts, luxury watches, gold jewellery, silver artefacts, heritage collectibles and diplomatic souvenirs received by Indian government officials during official overseas visits and engagements.
Among the biggest attractions are Rolex Yacht-Master II luxury watches , an elegant Kuwaiti gold jewellery set , a 20-gram Swiss gold biscuit , an Apple MacBook Pro , silver daggers, Persian tea sets and several priceless decorative collectibles.
The online auction will remain open until 5 PM on June 30, 2026 , giving collectors, history enthusiasts and luxury buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of India's diplomatic history.
The Ministry of External Affairs has taken a historic step by allowing the general public to participate in the first-ever public Toshakhana e-auction following the implementation of the Toshakhana Rules, 2024 .
Previously, diplomatic gifts stored in the Toshakhana were not available for public purchase. The only known auction took place in 1983 , and participation was restricted exclusively to employees of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The revised rules have now transformed the process, enabling Indian citizens to register online and bid for these unique diplomatic treasures through an official e-auction platform.
This initiative also promotes greater transparency in the management of government gifts while ensuring that valuable ceremonial items find new custodians through an open and competitive bidding process.
The Toshakhana is the official government repository that stores gifts, souvenirs and commemorative items received by Indian government functionaries from foreign governments, diplomats, heads of state and international dignitaries during official meetings and overseas visits.
These articles are preserved because they represent diplomatic goodwill and international relations rather than personal possessions of government officials.
The Ministry of External Affairs maintains the Toshakhana under specific government rules governing the receipt, valuation, storage and disposal of gifts received from foreign sources.
Most of these items are considered heritage objects, ceremonial articles, decorative artefacts or diplomatic souvenirs rather than products intended for everyday use.
The launch of the public Toshakhana auction marks one of the biggest policy changes in the management of diplomatic gifts in recent decades.
The auction has become possible after the implementation of the Toshakhana Rules, 2024 , which introduced a transparent framework for disposing of selected items through public e-auctions.
Officials believe the initiative will increase public participation, improve transparency and ensure that historically significant diplomatic gifts are preserved by collectors while generating revenue for the government.
The proceeds generated from the sale of these items will be deposited into the Consolidated Fund of India .
The auction catalogue showcases an impressive collection of diplomatic gifts received by serving government officials over several years.
The collection includes:
Most articles have been classified as heritage or ceremonial collectibles rather than functional consumer products.
Several premium collectibles have attracted significant attention from bidders since the auction opened.
Some of the most sought-after items include:
Many of these gifts reflect India's diplomatic engagements with countries across Asia, Europe and the Middle East over several decades.
Several premium items have already generated considerable interest among collectors.
The Rolex Yacht-Master II watches , carrying reserve prices of around ₹16.5 lakh , have witnessed strong bidding activity.
Another highlight is a vintage silver box from the 1980s , originally designed as a luxury cigar or cigarette case, which has already received bids well above its reserve price.
Similarly, the gold-plated decorative silver box containing a 20-gram Swiss gold biscuit has crossed its reserve price during the ongoing auction.
However, officials indicated that the Kuwaiti gold jewellery set , despite carrying a reserve price of approximately ₹9.5 lakh , had not attracted bids at the time of the latest update.
The online bidding process officially commenced on June 8, 2026 , and will conclude at 5 PM on June 30, 2026 .
Successful bidders will receive their purchased items after the completion of the auction process.
The Ministry has also confirmed that packing and delivery charges will be borne by the government , meaning winning bidders will receive their purchases free of shipping costs.
