New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his delegation to India, reaffirming the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations across trade, technology, energy, defence, and global cooperation.
In a press statement, Modi said he was “extremely pleased” to receive Lula, recalling the warm hospitality extended to him during his visit to Brazil last year. He noted that India-Brazil ties have long benefited from Lula’s “vision and inspiring leadership.”
The PM said the Brazilian president’s visit also enhanced the significance of the historic AI Impact Summit and injected new momentum into bilateral cooperation.
Highlighting economic engagement, Modi said Brazil is India’s largest trading partner in Latin America. Both countries are committed to expanding bilateral trade beyond USD20 billion over the next five years, according to an official statement.
“Our trade is not just a number; it reflects mutual trust,” he said, pointing to the large business delegation accompanying Lula as a sign of growing confidence.
He added that the expansion of the India–Mercosur Trade Agreement would further strengthen economic cooperation.
Modi further said India and Brazil are working to establish a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil. Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence, supercomputers, semiconductors, and blockchain has been prioritised.
Both countries believe that technology must be inclusive and serve as a bridge for shared progress, he noted.
Energy collaboration remains a strong pillar of India–Brazil relations. Alongside hydrocarbons, both countries are accelerating cooperation in renewable energy, ethanol blending, and sustainable aviation fuel.
PM Modi said Brazil’s active participation in the Global Bio-Fuel Alliance reflects the shared commitment to a green future.
Brazil has also proposed co-chairing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, a move welcomed by India. The Prime Minister said Brazil’s experience would strengthen the initiative.
An agreement on critical minerals and rare earths marks a significant step toward building resilient supply chains. Defence cooperation between the two nations continues to grow, reflecting mutual trust and strategic alignment.
“We will continue to strengthen this win-win partnership,” the PM noted.
India and Brazil are expanding collaboration in agriculture and animal husbandry, including climate-resilient agriculture, precision farming, and bio-fertilisers. A proposed Centre of Excellence in Oil Seeds, Pulses and Integrated Farming in Brazil will further strengthen food security efforts.
In the health and pharmaceutical sectors, India will work to increase the supply of affordable and quality medicines to Brazil. Efforts will also be made to promote Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Brazil.
On the global stage, Modi said India and Brazil will continue advancing the priorities of the Global South.
“When India and Brazil work together, the voice of the Global South becomes stronger and more confident,” he said.
The PM reiterated that global challenges must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. Both countries agree that terrorism and its supporters are enemies of humanity and that reform of global institutions is essential to address contemporary challenges.
