Jill Biden wanted to keep the diamond gifted by Prime Minister Modi and returned it due to its high valuation

In her memoir, Jill Biden reveals that she considered buying a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond given to her by Narendra Modi, but returned it after US authorities valued it at $20,000. The episode highlights strict ethical rules governing foreign gifts received by U.S. leaders.

Washington: Former US first lady Jill Biden said she wanted to keep a diamond given to her by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but ultimately returned it to the federal government after learning that US officials valued it well above its stated price.

In his memoir View from the East Wing: A Memoir, Biden offers a behind-the-scenes account of life in the White House and the strict rules governing gifts received by America’s first family.

Among the gifts she remembers most was a 7.5-carat synthetic diamond given by Prime Minister Modi during his state visit to Washington. The book hit stores this week.

“Sometimes small things — flowers, wine — but sometimes big things, like the 7.5-carat synthetic diamond that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave me during his state visit — a symbol of his country’s attempt to become a leader in synthetic gemstones,” Biden wrote.

She says the diamond immediately caught her eye. “The diamond was magnificent,” Biden wrote.

However, according to American ethical rules, the gift did not belong to him personally. “But technically it wasn’t given to me. It was given to the First Lady, which meant it belonged to the federal government,” she wrote.

Biden explains that gifts above a certain value are reviewed and cataloged by government officials. Recipients are permitted to purchase such gifts if they pay the assessed fair market value.

In Prime Minister Modi’s case, she initially thought it might be possible. “The Prime Minister said it was hand-made in his hometown for $2,500. He even had the bill of sale,” Biden writes. “I thought, maybe I’ll buy it.” This plan changed after the donation was officially evaluated. “Then the State Department valued it at $20,000, so I didn’t do it,” she wrote.

Instead, Biden was allowed to borrow the diamond and wear it at official events. “I was told I could display it in my office or borrow it to wear. So I had it put in a ring and wore it to official functions,” she wrote.

This arrangement only lasted the duration of his tenure in the White House. “When we left office, I gave it back,” Biden wrote. She says the ring was eventually returned to government storage.

“The ring went into storage with countless other presidential gifts, many of which were simply destroyed.” The memoir uses the episode to illustrate the often misunderstood financial and ethical rules that surround life in the White House.

Biden writes that official residences, events and gifts are subject to detailed regulations designed to ensure that public office holders do not personally benefit from government resources or foreign gifts.

She contrasts the PM Modi diamond with a bracelet offered by French First Lady Brigitte Macron. Because of its sentimental value, Biden chose to purchase this government gift so he could keep it after leaving office.

“I paid the State Department so I could take it with me when we left office,” she wrote. “I still wear it every day.”

Biden also cited other gifts received during her time in office, including “a Ukrainian brooch made from bomb shards,” which she said was valued by officials at $14,063.

Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to the United States in June 2023 was one of the most important diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Washington under the Biden administration.

More than 10,000 Indian Americans attended the White House event. The visit included a state dinner at the White House and highlighted growing cooperation between the two countries in defense, technology, semiconductors and strategic affairs.