Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship by presenting symbolic, handicraft gifts to global leaders during his ongoing five countries visit, which reflects the country’s artistic heritage and spiritual traditions.
PM Modi gave Argentina President Xavier Milli with one hand silver lion on a Fuchis Stone Base. The complexly elaborate lion symbolizes courage and leadership, while green fuchite – known as “healing and flexibility stones” – adds natural depth and meaning. This piece represents Rajasthan’s famous metalwork and gem craftsmanship, which is made using materials obtained from mineral-rich regions of India.
For the Vice President of Argentina, Victoria Villaruel, a traditional Madhubani painting of the Sun was shared from Mithila region of Bihar. Known for its bold lines, complex patterns and natural colors, Madhubani art traditionally beautifies homes during festivals. The painting exposes the Sun, symbolizes life and energy, which is surrounded by floral motifs of folk tradition of this age.
Continuing this gesture of cultural diplomacy, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamala Persad-Bisasar received two expressions of cultural and spiritual ethos of India. There was a Kalash filled with holy water from a Saryu river, which was reverence in the Hindu tradition and was believed to bring peace, purity and prosperity. Flowing through Ayodhya – the birthplace of Lord Rama – the river holds great importance, and the metal urn is a symbol of purity and abundance.
The second Ayodhya Ram temple was a silver replica, which was prepared by the artisans of Uttar Pradesh. The cast in a completely pure silver, the model catchs the sacred architecture of the temple and is a symbol of righteousness, devotion and cultural pride. It stands both as a spiritual funnel and a tribute to India’s complex temple craftsmanship.
These acts of cultural diplomacy complemented the widespread vision of the Prime Minister for the role of India within the BRICS.
PM Modi started on Wednesday, 2 July between 2 and 9 July with a visit to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil and Namibia on a tour of five countries. Currently, he is in Brazil in the fourth phase of his ongoing tour.
He arrived in Brazil after visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina, where he interacted with President Xavier Milli on strengthening trade and strategic cooperation.
On 9 July, Modi will be the head of Namibia, the last stop of his visit, where he is scheduled to address the country’s Parliament.
Earlier on Monday, PM Modi said that India would re -define the BRICS group under its upcoming chairmanship by focusing on the building flexibility and innovation “for cooperation and stability.
Addressing the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi said, “Under the chairmanship of India’s BRICS, we will define BRICS in a new form. BRICS will mean ‘Flexibility and Innovation for Cooperation and Stability’.”
He confirmed that New Delhi would carry forward a sense of progress during the leadership of blocks including Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The Prime Minister said, “In the coming year, under the chairmanship of India’s BRICS, we will continue to cooperate closely on all subjects.”
PM Modi underlined how G20’s President’s President raised the concerns of the developing world and promised a similar approach to BRICS.
“As during our G20 presidential presidency, we ensured the inclusion and priority issues of the Global South in the agenda,” he said, “In the same way, during the chairmanship of our BRICS, we will take this platform forward with the first people -focused approach and the spirit of humanity.”
This message of unity and cooperation was previously reflected in the day, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with other BRICS leaders, partners and outreach invitations, on Monday morning (local time) gathered for traditional family photos at the 17th BRICS summit at Rio de Janeiro.
The summit brought together leaders and representatives of BRICS nations and partners to discuss cooperation and strategic participation, marking a significant moment of unity and cooperation between the countries representing the group.
Hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, the summit brought leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE and Indonesia together during the event. (AI)