As one can assume from the title of the poem, the main theme of "The Gift of India" concerns what India has given to the world. The personified figure of Mother India, the speaker of the poem, has already generously distributed "priceless treasures" from her chest to both East and West. This is an obvious reference to the vast cultural riches that India has generously bestowed upon the world for thousands of years.

More than that, though, Mother India has given her sons to the cause of freedom in the West. She has sent them to serve in the First World War. Despite being colonial subjects of the British, these brave young Indian men have nonetheless signed up to fight for the Empire in the "blood-brown meadows" of Flanders and France. Mother India grieves deeply at their deaths; she mourns them greatly. But at the same time, she is filled with pride that thrills through her heart's despair.

When the war is finally over, Mother India hopes that those to whom her sons have given so much will offer thanks for their heroic sacrifice and acknowledge the honor of their deeds. In remembering the blood of her martyred sons, the world will truly be showing its appreciation for the gift of India.