New Delhi, June 26 -- For the first time, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has thrown open its Toshakhana collection to the public, offering nearly 300 diplomatic gifts and souvenirs for auction through an online bidding process. The move marks a significant shift in the handling of official gifts received by government functionaries and follows the implementation of the revised Toshakhana Rules, 2024.

According to an NDTV report, the e-auction began on June 8 and will continue until June 30, 2026. The collection features a wide range of ceremonial, heritage and collectible items, with reserve prices starting from Rs.2,385.

The Ministry of External Affairs said this is the first occasion on which members of the public have been gi...