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Lula "Surprised and Touched" by India's Musical Tribute, Recalls Gesture for Modi

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed being "surprised and touched" by the cultural hospitality extended to him during his India visit, particularly the performance of Brazilian music. He recalled reciprocating a similar gesture by arranging a musical surprise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Modi's visit to Brazil last year. The playing of the iconic Brazilian song "Asa Branca" by Indian musicians underscored the growing cultural synergy between the two nations. This exchange forms a backdrop to Lula's visit, which aims to deepen economic cooperation and build a shared vision for the Global South.

Key Points: Lula Hails India's Hospitality, Recalls Musical Surprise for Modi

  • Lula deeply moved by Indian hospitality
  • Recalls arranging a song surprise for Modi in Brazil
  • Indian musicians played iconic Brazilian folk song Asa Branca
  • Cultural exchange underpins strategic partnership
  • Visit focuses on economic cooperation in Global South
3 min read

''Surprised and touched'': Brazilian President Lula hails India's cultural hospitality, recalls reciprocal gesture for PM Modi

Brazilian President Lula moved by Indian musical tribute, recalls arranging a song for PM Modi during his Brazil visit, highlighting cultural diplomacy.

"I was surprised yesterday... it was visible that he was touched by the song that we chose to play for him. - President Lula"

New Delhi, February 22

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the cultural hospitality extended to him during his visit to India, noting that he was deeply moved by the musical tributes prepared by his hosts.

Speaking at the India-Brazil Economic Forum on Sunday, the President recalled how these gestures mirrored a similar surprise he had arranged for Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the latter's visit to Brazil.

Addressing the forum in New Delhi, President Lula said, ''I was surprised yesterday, at the state dinner and at lunch too. I don't know if the Brazilian journalists remember this, but when Prime Minister Modi went to visit Brazil last year, we did research on the song that he preferred most.

"We went to São Paulo to try to find a singer who could sing the song that he enjoyed most. So we did a surprise for him at the Palacio da Alvorada in Brazil, and it was visible that he was touched by the song that we chose to play for him,' he said.

The President noted that the reciprocal gesture from the Indian side on Saturday left a lasting impression on him and his delegation, serving as a poignant reminder of the hospitality he once extended to the Indian leader.

He shared his delight at hearing familiar Brazilian melodies played by Indian musicians during his official engagements, bridging the geographical distance between the two nations through music.

''Yesterday I was surprised because during lunch we started to hear a song. I saw that that song had something to do with us. Then they played other songs from the Brazilian composers. They played Asa Branca,'' President Lula remarked.

The mention of Asa Branca, an iconic Brazilian folk song, underscored the growing cultural synergy between the two nations as they seek to strengthen their strategic partnership.

This cultural exchange serves as a backdrop to the more formal objectives of the trip, as President Lula's visit on Sunday continues to focus on deepening economic cooperation and building a shared vision for the Global South.

The visit carries significant weight given the frequency of high-level engagement; the Brazilian President arrived in India on February 18, and during the period February 19-20, he participated in the India AI Impact Summit.

This marks Lula's fifth visit to India as President of Brazil, further solidifying a relationship that has seen rapid momentum in recent months.

Indeed, this visit comes just seven months after the state visit of PM Modi to Brasilia on July 8, 2025, highlighting a period of intense diplomatic activity between the two partners.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see our cultural diplomacy at work. While the music is nice, I hope the economic forum yields concrete results for our farmers and tech sector. The focus should remain on tangible benefits.
A
Aman W
Atithi Devo Bhava! This is our culture. When a guest comes, we treat them like God. Glad President Lula felt the warmth. These bonds are important for India's leadership in the Global South.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in both countries, this makes me so happy. Brazil and India have so much in common - vibrant cultures, love for music and dance. More people-to-people exchanges please!
V
Vikram M
Respect to the team that did the research to play 'Asa Branca'! It shows a level of detail and respect that goes beyond formalities. This is how you make a guest feel truly valued.
K
Karthik V
While the gesture is beautiful, I do hope such visits are cost-effective. The news mentions this is his *fifth* visit. I trust the economic agreements will justify the hospitality and frequent engagements.

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