NEW DELHI, Nov 23: During his five-day tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased India’s vibrant cultural diversity by presenting world leaders with various gifts. The assortment included eight gifts from Maharashtra, five from Jammu and Kashmir, three each from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, along with two from Jharkhand, and one gift from each of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, and Ladakh.
Jammu and Kashmir’s rich culture was highlighted through a pair of papier-mache vases adorned with gold work, gifted to the UK Prime Minister. The First Lady of Guyana received a pashmina shawl presented in a papier-mache box, while leaders of CARICOM countries were given customized gift hampers containing Kashmiri saffron. Rajasthan’s gifts featured a silver photo frame with floral designs, representing the state’s heritage of intricate metal work, which was presented to the president of Argentina.
The prime minister of Norway received a marble inlay work piece made from Makrana marble, and a wooden raj sawari figurine with gold work was gifted to the prime minister of Guyana. From Andhra Pradesh, a silver clutch purse embellished with semi-precious stones and intricate floral motifs was gifted to the spouse of the Brazilian president. Additionally, leaders of CARICOM countries received gift hampers containing Araku coffee, grown by indigenous communities in the region.
A Sohrai painting from Hazaribagh, depicting animals and nature and reflecting tribal life, was presented to the vice president of Nigeria. Other gifts included a finely-fretted silver and rosewood ceremonial photo frame from Uttar Pradesh, a wooden toy train from Channapatnaa in Karnataka, a Tanjore painting from Tamil Nadu, and a Madhubani painting from Bihar’s Mithila region. An official stated, “With every international trip, Prime Minister Modi brings not only India’s diplomatic agenda but also its rich heritage, illustrating its traditions, languages, art, and spirituality.
This unique combination of culture and diplomacy ensures that India’s cultural diversity is both recognized and celebrated worldwide.” During his trip, Modi engaged in 31 bilateral meetings and informal discussions with global leaders. His whirlwind diplomatic activities included a one-on-one meeting with the Nigerian president, ten bilateral talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil, and nine discussions during his visit to Guyana.
In Brazil, Modi held meetings with leaders from several countries, including Indonesia, Portugal, Italy, Norway, France, the UK, Chile, Argentina, and Australia. Notably, he met with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, Portugal’s Luis Montenegro, the UK’s Keir Starmer, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, and Argentina’s Javier Milei. In Brazil, he also had informal conversations with leaders from Singapore, South Korea, Egypt, the USA, and Spain, as well as with heads of various international organizations, including Ursula von der Leyen (EU), Antonio Guterres (UN), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO), Kristalina Georgieva, and Gita Gopinath (IMF).
In Guyana, Modi met with leaders from Guyana, Dominica, Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, and St Lucia. He emphasized the deep connections between India and Guyana, citing culture, cuisine, and cricket as significant links, and praised the Indo-Guyanese community for their contributions to the Caribbean nation.
He noted that shared values between the two nations strengthen their friendship. “Culture, cuisine, and cricket are the three pillars that connect India and Guyana,” he remarked, celebrating each nation’s diverse culture. He further expressed that diversity should be celebrated, stating, “Our countries are demonstrating how cultural diversity is a source of strength.” Highlighting the Indo-Guyanese culinary traditions that merge Indian and Guyanese influences, Modi added, “The love for cricket also intertwines our nations.
It defines our identity and is much more than just a sport.” He recalled how many cricket fans in Guyana cheered for the Indian team during the T-20 World Cup, making their support heard back in India.
