What does the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian flag stand for? Chilean president asks PM Modi

What does the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian flag stand for? Prime Minister Narendra Modi was pleasantly surprised when the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, asked him that question during a meeting at the Hyderabad House in Delhi.

ALSO: What's behind India's high tuberculosis infection rate?

Boric, 39, has been Chile’s president since March 2022 and studied law at the University of Chile. He is currently in India on his first state visit to the country. For the uninitiated, the Ashoka Chakra is a wheel with 24 spokes, symbolising the principles of dharma, based on Emperor Ashoka’s edicts from the 3rd century BCE.

ALSO: Putin accepts Modi’s invite to visit India, Russia says its ‘now our turn’

Chilean President's first state visit to India

The Chilean President arrived in New Delhi for his first state visit to India, receiving a ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour. He was warmly received at the airport by Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita. MEA spokesperson Jaiswal confirmed the arrival, posting: "Bienvenido, President Gabriel Boric Font! President Gabriel Boric Font of Chile landed in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. Accorded a ceremonial welcome & Guard of Honour. Warmly received by Union Minister of State Pabitra Margherita at the airport."

ALSO: Ladies' suits, sevaiyan… What’s inside the ‘Saugat-e-Modi’ Eid kits?

Chilean President Boric meets EAM Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font on Monday at the start of his state visit to India, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.Jaishankar shared on X (formerly Twitter): "Pleased to call on President Gabriel Boric Font of Chile at the start of his State Visit to India. Appreciate his commitment for deepening our long-standing cooperation. Confident that his talks with PM Narendra Modi today will foster new partnerships and greater engagement."

ALSO: “Very active and intense trade discussion going on (with US)”: EAM Jaishankar

Boric's India visit to boost ties

At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Boric's visit from April 1-5 is aimed at strengthening economic, political, and cultural ties. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, members of parliament, senior officials, business leaders, media representatives, and cultural figures engaged in India-Chile exchanges.

ALSO: 'A Little Nervous?’ Pakistani Journalist’s Dig at Jaishankar Backfires