Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Monday for the second leg of his three-nation visit. His arrival was met with a warm reception from the Indian community, who welcomed him with Sanskrit chants and vibrant cultural performances. Expressing his gratitude for the reception, Modi said in a post on X, “A celebration of Indian culture in Brazil! Gratitude for a memorable welcome in Rio de Janeiro.” 

He further remarked, “Deeply touched by the warm and lively welcome from the Indian community upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro. Their energy reflects the affection that binds us across continents.”

Deeply touched by the warm and lively welcome from the Indian community upon arriving in Rio de Janeiro. Their energy reflects the affection that binds us across continents. pic.twitter.com/hvA6GGKE9l

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2024

He also shared a video showing the Indian diaspora welcoming him with Sanskrit chants and vibrant cultural performances.

A celebration of Indian culture in Brazil! Gratitude for a memorable welcome in Rio de Janeiro… pic.twitter.com/osuHGSxpho

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2024

Modi’s visit to Brazil comes after a productive stop in Nigeria, where he engaged in bilateral discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and met with members of the Indian diaspora. During his Nigeria visit, he was honoured with the national award, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), making him only the second foreign dignitary to receive this recognition. Notably, Queen Elizabeth II is the only other foreign dignitary to have been conferred with this award. It was also the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Nigeria in 17 years.

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PM Modi Set To Take Part In 19th G20 Summit In Brazil

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced Modi’s arrival in Brazil on X, sharing photos of his warm reception at the airport. The MEA post read: “Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to attend the G20 Brazil Summit.” Modi also shared on his official X handle: “Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to take part in the G20 Summit. I look forward to the summit deliberations and fruitful talks with various world leaders.”

Modi will be attending the 19th G20 Summit as part of the G20 Troika, which includes India, Brazil, and South Africa. Leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden will also be participating in the summit, which will take place on 18th and 19th November.

Looking forward to the summit, Modi said in his departure statement: “This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders.”

The final leg of Modi’s journey will take him to Guyana from 19th to 21st November, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the South American nation in over 50 years. The invitation was extended by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. 

India’s G20 presidency last year was marked by significant achievements, including the induction of the 55-nation African Union as a permanent G20 member and overcoming divisions over the Ukraine conflict to produce a comprehensive leaders’ declaration.