Rio de Janeiro: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship by presenting symbolic, handcrafted gifts to global leaders during his ongoing five-nation tour, reflecting the country’s artistic legacy and spiritual traditions.
PM Modi gifted a hand-etched silver lion on a Fuchsite stone base to the President of Argentina, Javier Milei. The intricately detailed lion symbolises courage and leadership, while the green Fuchsite — known as the “Stone of Healing and Resilience” — adds natural depth and meaning. This piece represents Rajasthan’s renowned metalwork and gemstone craftsmanship, created using materials sourced from India’s mineral-rich regions.
For the Vice President of Argentina, Victoria Villarruel, a traditional Madhubani painting of the Sun from Bihar’s Mithila region was shared. This Madhubani painting of the Sun beautifully showcases one of India’s oldest folk art traditions from the Mithila region of Bihar. Renowned for bold lines, intricate patterns, and natural colours, Madhubani art traditionally adorned walls during festivals to bring prosperity and ward off negativity. The painting highlights the Sun, a symbol of life and energy, surrounded by floral motifs–hallmarks of this age-old folk tradition. Rooted in cultural heritage and meticulous craftsmanship, it is both a decorative piece and a vibrant tribute to India’s enduring folk artistry.
Continuing this gesture of cultural diplomacy, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, received two expressions of India’s cultural and spiritual ethos. One was a Kalash filled with sacred water from the River Sarayu, revered in Hindu tradition and believed to bring peace, purity, and prosperity. This Kalash, filled with the sacred waters of the River Sarayu, is a revered symbol of purity, blessings, and spiritual grace. The Sarayu, flowing through Ayodhya — the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram — holds deep significance in Hindu tradition, believed to absolve sins and bring peace and prosperity.
Crafted in metal, the Kalash embodies abundance and sanctity, making it an auspicious offering or gift that invokes divine protection, health, and spiritual well-being. It connects the giver and receiver to Ayodhya’s timeless legacy of Dharma, devotion, and liberation.
The second gift was the Silver Replica of the Ayodhya Ram Temple that is a finely handcrafted tribute to one of India’s most sacred spiritual sites. Made by skilled artisans from Uttar Pradesh, it captures the grandeur and intricate architecture of the Shri Ram Temple — symbolising dharma, righteousness, and divine blessings.
Cast entirely in pure silver, the miniature temple embodies purity, devotion, and cultural pride. Ideal for worship spaces, homes, or as a meaningful gift, it reflects Uttar Pradesh’s rich heritage of temple art and metalwork. More than décor, it’s a timeless keepsake that honours Ayodhya’s spiritual legacy and India’s sacred traditions.
These acts of cultural diplomacy complemented the Prime Minister’s broader vision for India’s role within BRICS.
PM Modi embarked on a five-nation tour on Wednesday, July 2, with visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia, between July 2 and 9. Currently, he is in Brazil, the fourth leg of his ongoing tour.
He arrived in Brazil following visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina, where he held talks with President Javier Milei on strengthening trade and strategic cooperation.
On July 9, Modi will head to Namibia, the final stop of his tour, where he is scheduled to address the country’s Parliament.
Earlier on Monday, PM Modi said that India would redefine the BRICS grouping under its upcoming chairmanship by focusing on “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Addressing the BRICS Summit in Brazil, PM Modi said, “Under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, we will define BRICS in a new form. BRICS would mean ‘Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability’.”
He affirmed that New Delhi would carry forward the spirit of people-centric progress during its leadership of the bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
“In the coming year, under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, we will continue close cooperation on all subjects,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi underlined how India’s presidency of the G20 elevated the concerns of the developing world and promised a similar approach for BRICS.
“Just as during our G-20 Presidency, we ensured inclusivity and prioritized issues of the Global South in the agenda,” he said, “In the same way, during our BRICS Chairmanship, we will take this forum forward with a people-centric approach and the spirit of Humanity First.”
This message of unity and collaboration was reflected earlier in the day, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with other BRICS leaders, partners and outreach invitees, gathered for the traditional family photo at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on Monday morning (local time).
The summit brought together leaders and representatives from BRICS nations and partner countries to discuss cooperation and strategic partnerships, marking a significant moment of unity and collaboration among the countries that the grouping represents.
Hosted by Brazil from July 7 to July 9, the summit brought together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia during the event. (ANI)
