Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora in Brazil, as he arrived for a four-day visit encompassing the 17th BRICS Summit and a state visit. The Prime Minister's arrival in Rio de Janeiro was met with enthusiastic chants of "Modi-Modi, Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and a vibrant display of Indian culture.
Upon landing at Galeao International Airport on Saturday evening, July 5, 2025, PM Modi was greeted with a ceremonial welcome. Members of the Indian community, many of whom had been waiting eagerly, expressed their excitement and honor at welcoming the Prime Minister. The diaspora's welcome included traditional dances and folk songs, showcasing India's rich cultural heritage. A particularly notable performance was a dance based on the theme of "Operation Sindoor," a tribute to India's counter-terrorism efforts. The performance, set to the patriotic song "Saugandh Mujhe Iss Mitti Ki," visibly moved the Prime Minister. A Brazilian music group also contributed to the welcoming atmosphere by performing devotional music, highlighting India's spiritual values.
PM Modi acknowledged the warm reception from the Indian community, expressing his appreciation for their vibrant welcome. He is on a five-nation tour, with Brazil being the fourth stop after Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago and Argentina. He will conclude his tour with a visit to Namibia.
During his stay in Brazil, PM Modi will participate in the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit on July 6 and 7 in Rio de Janeiro. The summit will provide a platform for exchanging views on key global issues, including peace and security, strengthening multilateralism, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, climate action, global health, and economic and financial matters. The Prime Minister is also expected to hold several bilateral meetings with other world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Following the BRICS Summit, PM Modi will travel to Brasilia for a state visit, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades. In Brasilia, he will hold bilateral discussions with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, focusing on expanding the strategic partnership between India and Brazil across various sectors. These sectors include trade, defense, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people linkages.
India and Brazil have a longstanding and close relationship, with India opening its first embassy in Latin America in Brazil in 1948. This visit aims to further strengthen these ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Prior to arriving in Brazil, PM Modi concluded a "productive" two-day visit to Argentina, where he held wide-ranging talks with President Javier Milei. They agreed to diversify bilateral trade and increase cooperation in areas such as defense, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, energy, and mining. Modi also paid homage to Rabindranath Tagore in Buenos Aires.
