Modi Attends 31 Bilateral Meetings During Five-Day World Tour

NEW DELHI, Nov 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his five-day tour of Brazil, Guyana, and the UK by participating in 31 bilateral meetings and informal interactions with world leaders.

During his visit, Modi presented world leaders with eight gifts showcasing India's rich cultural diversity. From Maharashtra came an intricately crafted Silofar Panchamrit Kalash (pot) for the Nigerian President and Warli paintings from Dahanu, Talasari, and Palghar regions. A pashmina shawl in a papier-mache box was given to Guyana's First Lady.

In Brazil, Modi met leaders from Indonesia, Portugal, Italy, Norway, France, the UK, Chile, Argentina, Australia, Singapore, South Korea, Egypt, the US, Spain, and heads of international organisations. In Guyana, he met leaders from Dominica, Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada, and St Lucia.

"The gifts from Maharashtra included a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship — a Silofar Panchamrit Kalash (pot) — given to the Nigerian President. Warli paintings from Dahanu, Talasari, and Palghar regions were given to the Brazilian president," an official said.

Modi also met leaders on sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil and his diplomatic engagements included bilateral meetings with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, Argentine President Javier Milei, Norway's prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Guyanese President Irfaan Ali.

"We have a shared history that binds India and Guyana. Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, and respect for diversity," Modi said during his address to a community programme in Guyana, praising the Indo-Guyanese community's contribution to development of Caribbean nation.

The Prime Minister stressed that culture, cuisine, and cricket deeply connect India and Guyana. "We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength," he said.

India presented offers for cooperation in various sectors including energy, enterprise, Ayurveda, agriculture, infrastructure, innovation, healthcare, human resources, data development and knowledge sharing through the India-CARICOM summit held yesterday.