Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and grand welcome as he reached Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 17th BRICS Summit. The Indian community in Brazil greeted him with special cultural performances dedicated to “Operation Sindoor”, showcasing their support for India’s fight against terrorism.
This visit is part of PM Modi’s five-nation tour from July 2 to July 9. Brazil is the fourth stop after visits to Ghana, Argentina, and Trinidad & Tobago.
Indian Community’s Special Welcome
When PM Modi arrived in Rio, Indian expatriates welcomed him at Hotel Nacional with songs and dances. They performed to the emotional song “Saugandh Meri Mitti Ki, Desh Nahi Jhukne Doonga” from the movie “PM Narendra Modi” (2019), directed by Omung Kumar and starring Vivek Oberoi. The cultural program touched PM Modi deeply, and he was seen smiling and interacting warmly with the community.
Members of the Indian diaspora expressed their excitement about meeting the Prime Minister. One of them said, “We never get this chance in India, but here in Rio, it became possible. We feel proud to meet him and see India’s progress in the last 10 years.”
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was India’s bold and emotional response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, where 26 innocent people, including many newlyweds, lost their lives. On May 7, 2025, Indian forces carried out precision airstrikes on nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These camps, used by Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, were completely destroyed. Over 70 terrorists were killed in the swift 25-minute operation using Rafale jets, SCALP missiles, and advanced technology.
The operation was named “Sindoor” to honor the pain of widows and to symbolize India’s cultural strength and commitment to justice. It showed the world India’s ability to fight terrorism with precision and restraint, avoiding harm to civilians. People across India praised the armed forces for their bravery, calling it a historic moment in the fight against terror. Operation Sindoor became a symbol of India’s courage and resolve.
BRICS Summit Amid Global Challenges
This year’s BRICS Summit is very important because the global economy is going through uncertain times. Developing countries like India, Brazil, China, Russia, and South Africa are coming together to discuss common issues and create collective solutions.
Experts say BRICS plays a key role as an alternative economic power for the world. These countries are not only leaders in their regions but also represent the voices of developing nations globally.
Why Was BRICS Formed ?
BRICS was formed to bring together fast-growing economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and later South Africa) so they could work as a team and have a stronger voice in global decisions.
At the time, most global financial systems like the World Bank and IMF were controlled by Western countries (USA, Europe). Developing nations felt they needed their own platform to:
- Support trade and economic growth.
- Reduce over-dependence on Western economies.
- Cooperate on big issues like climate change, poverty, and security.
- Create a fairer world order where all regions are represented.
In 2009, BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) held its first summit. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
PM Modi’s Brazil Schedule
After attending the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi will head to Brasília, Brazil’s capital, for a state visit with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
This visit highlights the strong friendship between India and Brazil and their shared commitment to fighting global challenges like terrorism, economic instability, and climate change.