Rio de Janeiro, July 6, 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand and emotional welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit. The highlight of the evening was a vibrant cultural performance dedicated to “Operation Sindoor,” a recent Indian counter-terror mission that has stirred patriotic pride across the country and its global communities.

As Modi arrived in Rio de Janeiro, hundreds of Indian-origin residents turned out to greet him. Waving tricolour flags and chanting slogans like “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Modi, Modi,” the crowd created a celebratory atmosphere that blended festivity with nationalistic fervour. The welcome ceremony included performances of folk dances, devotional songs, and a powerful tribute dance centered on Operation Sindoor.

The cultural program was carefully curated by members of the diaspora, many of whom are second-generation Indians living in Brazil. The highlight performance featured a semi-classical dance sequence that blended patriotic narration, visuals of India’s armed forces, and expressive storytelling portraying bravery, sacrifice, and national unity. Artists involved said the piece was meant to honour the courage of Indian soldiers and show solidarity with their fight against terrorism. Many dancers wore tricolour-themed attire, and some carried placards with messages such as “Proud to be Indian” and “Operation Sindoor – A Symbol of Courage.”

In his address after the event, Prime Minister Modi expressed deep appreciation for the community’s heartfelt gesture. He said the tribute to Operation Sindoor was not only moving but also a strong reflection of India’s unity beyond borders. Modi commended the diaspora’s passion and called them India’s “cultural ambassadors” abroad. He further stated that the courage demonstrated by Indian forces in Operation Sindoor had united Indians across the globe, reinforcing a shared national identity.

Modi’s visit to Brazil is part of a five-nation diplomatic tour that includes stops in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. During his time in Brazil, he is scheduled to attend the BRICS Leaders’ Summit and hold bilateral talks with Brazilian President João da Silva. His visit also includes a state reception in Brasilia, making it the first time in nearly six decades that an Indian Prime Minister is undertaking a full-fledged bilateral visit to Brazil.

Operation Sindoor, which reportedly involved a swift and successful counter-terror operation along India's border, has become a central theme in Modi’s diplomatic narrative. Sources close to the Prime Minister suggest that he intends to bring up global terrorism, defence cooperation, and cross-border security in the BRICS summit discussions. The emotional reception in Brazil, focused on this operation, aligns with India’s messaging on the global stage.

Members of the Indian community in Brazil, many of whom have roots in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, said they felt proud to welcome the Prime Minister. They expressed hope that his visit would deepen ties between India and Brazil and raise awareness about India’s global leadership on key issues.

The Rio welcome set a powerful tone for Modi’s engagements in Brazil. By combining cultural pride, strategic messaging, and diaspora enthusiasm, the Operation Sindoor-themed celebration highlighted how global Indian communities continue to shape India’s image abroad.