NEW DELHI, Nov 22: Displaying India’s rich cultural diversity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his five-day tour presented world leaders with eight gifts from Maharashtra, five from jammu and Kashmir, three each from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, two from Jharkhand and one gift each from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha and ladkh
Officials said the gifts from Maharashtra included a Silofar Panchamrit Kalash (pot) — a stunning example of traditional craftsmanship from Kolhapur — given to the Nigerian President and Warli paintings — a tribal art form rooted in the Dahanu, Talasari and Palghar regions of the state — given to the Brazilian president.
Jammu and Kashmir’s vibrant culture was represented through a pair of papier-mache gold work vases, which was given to the UK Prime Minister. A pashmina shawl in a papier-mache box was given to the First Lady of Guyana and Kashmiri saffron in customised gift hampers was presented to the leaders of CARICOM countries.
The gifts from Rajasthan included a silver photo frame with floral work, showcasing the state’s rich heritage of detailed metal work and traditional motifs, and it was given to the president of Argentina. A marble inlay work with base marble sourced from Rajasthan’s Makrana was given to the prime minister of Norway, while a gold work wooden raj sawari figurine was given to the prime minister of Guyana, officials said.
The gifts from Andhra Pradesh included a silver clutch purse studded with semi-precious stones handcrafted with intricate floral motif designs, which was given to the spouse of the Brazilian president. Araku coffee, which is grown by indigenous communities in the Araku valley in the southern state, was given to the leaders of CARICOM countries in customised gift hampers.
Sohrai painting from Hazaribagh — known for its depiction of animals, birds and nature and being a reflection of the agrarian lifestyle and the reverence for wildlife in tribal culture — was given to the vice president of Nigeria.
Other gifts included a finely-fretted and engraved silver and rosewood ceremonial photo frame from Uttar Pradesh, a wooden toy train, a signature product from Channapatnaa in Karnataka, a Tanjore painting from Tamil Nadu and a Madhubani painting from the Mithila region of Bihar.
“With each international visit, Prime Minister Modi does not just carry India’s diplomatic agenda but also its rich heritage, showcasing its traditions, languages, art and spirituality. Through this unique blend of culture and diplomacy, he ensures that India’s cultural diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated across the world,” an official said.
Meanwhile, Modi participated in 31 bilateral meetings and informal interactions with world leaders during his five days of three-country tour, officials said on Friday.
The whirlwind diplomatic engagements included a bilateral meeting with the Nigerian President in Nigeria, 10 bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil and nine during Modi’s visit to Guyana.
In Brazil, Modi held bilateral meetings with the leaders of the country, besides those of Indonesia, Portugal, Italy, Norway, France, the UK, Chile, Argentina and Australia. These were marked by his maiden bilateral meetings with Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, Portugal’s Luis Montenegro, the UK’s Keir Starmer, Chile’s Gabriel Boric, and Argentina’s Javier Milei, the officials noted.
Modi also had informal interactions and pull-aside meetings in Brazil with the leaders of Singapore, South Korea, Egypt, the USA and Spain and with the heads and executives of various international organisations like Ursula von der Leyen of the European Union; Antonio Guterres of the United Nations; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organization; Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization; and Kristalina Georgieva and Gita Gopinath of the IMF.
In Guyana, the officials said, Modi held bilateral meetings with the leaders of Guyana, Dominica, Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda, Grenada and St Lucia.
Meanwhile, culture, cuisine and cricket deeply connect India and Guyana, Modi has said, asserting that the commonalities provide a strong foundation for friendship between the two nations.
Addressing a community programme in Guyana, the Prime Minister praised the Indo-Guyanese community and their contribution to the development of the Caribbean nation.
He stressed that the shared values between the two nations provide a strong foundation for their friendship.
“Three things, in particular, connect India and Guyana deeply. Culture, cuisine and cricket,” he said.
Modi said both countries are proud of their rich and diverse culture.
“We see diversity as something to be celebrated, not just accommodated. Our countries are showing how cultural diversity is our strength,” he said.
Noting that Indians traditionally carry food wherever they go, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Indo-Guyanese community has a unique food tradition that blends both Indian and Guyanese elements.
“The love for cricket also binds our nations strongly. It is not just a sport. It is a way of life, deeply embedded in our national identity,” he said.
“Many of our cricket fans enjoyed the T-20 World Cup that you hosted this year. Your cheers for the ‘Team in Blue’ at their match in Guyana could be heard even back home in India!” he added.
Saluting the spirit of the Indo-Guyanese community, he said, “You have fought for freedom and democracy. You have worked to make Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies.”
“From humble beginnings, you have risen to the top,” he added.
Referring to the diaspora as “rashtradoots”, Modi said that they are ambassadors of Indian culture and values.
The Prime Minister underscored that the Indo-Guyanese community is “doubly blessed” as they have Guyana as their “motherland” and “Bharat mata” as their “ancestral land”.
Recalling his visit to Guyana two decades ago, Modi said he came to the country as a “traveller, full of curiosity”. Noting that a lot has changed now that he visited as the Indian Prime Minister, he said, “The love and affection of my Guyanese brothers and sisters remain the same!”
“My experience has reaffirmed – you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out of an Indian,” he said.
Modi also highlighted the “shared history” that binds India and Guyana.
“Common struggle against colonial rule, love for democratic values, and respect for diversity,” he said.
“We have a shared future that we want to create. Aspirations for growth and development, commitment towards economy and ecology, and, belief in a just and inclusive world order,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister noted that the top leadership of the two countries has worked to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“Today, we have agreed to widen the scope of our collaboration -from energy to enterprise, Ayurveda to agriculture, infrastructure to innovation, healthcare to human resources, and data to development.”
“Our partnership also holds significant value for the wider region. The second India-CARICOM summit held yesterday is a testament to the same,” he added.
