Overview
- The Ministry of External Affairs launched the e‑auction on June 8 and it runs through June 30, offering about 300 items from the Toshakhana for public bidding.
- The current round includes gifts presented to serving officials up to the rank of Foreign Secretary and excludes ministers’ gifts, which the MEA plans to offer in later auctions.
- A valuation committee set reserve prices that broadly range from roughly Rs 2,385 to about Rs 17–19 lakh, and packing and delivery costs were added to those base prices.
- High‑profile lots attracting competitive bids include Rolex and Cartier watches, an antique silver box, a London silver tea set, an Oman silver dagger and a gold biscuit, while some items have yet to draw offers.
- The Toshakhana Section of the MEA’s Establishment Division is running the sale, successful bidders will get free delivery in India, and all proceeds will be deposited into the Consolidated Fund of India.