India, Brazil Chart 10-Year Strategic Roadmap for Deeper Ties

GG News Bureau
Brasília/New Delhi, 9th July: In a significant boost to bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva released a joint statement on Tuesday following the Indian leader’s state visit to Brazil. The declaration, titled “India and Brazil – Two Great Nations with Higher Purposes,” lays out a strategic 10-year roadmap to advance cooperation across five key areas: defence and security, food and nutritional security, energy transition and climate change, digital transformation, and industrial partnerships.

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Strategic Partnership established in 2006 and expressed intent to build on their shared values, mutual trust, and complementary economic and technological strengths.

Defence, Security, and Counterterrorism
Highlighting growing defence cooperation, both countries signed agreements on the exchange of classified information and combating international terrorism and transnational organized crime. Prime Minister Modi thanked Brazil for condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Both sides called for action against UN-designated terrorists, including LeT and JeM, and committed to joint counterterrorism efforts through platforms like FATF and the UN.

Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture
Both nations pledged to cooperate on sustainable agriculture, agritech, and nutrition security. They emphasized fair and open agricultural trade and discussed bilateral efforts to combat global hunger by 2030. India and Brazil will jointly explore R&D in animal genetics, biotechnology, and rural development.

Climate Action and Energy Transition
The leaders reinforced their collaboration on clean energy, including biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel. Brazil’s “Tropical Forests Forever Fund” and India’s support for COP30 in Belém were recognized as significant initiatives in climate diplomacy. India committed to working with Brazil in platforms like the ISA and CDRI.

Digital Infrastructure and Innovation
A new Memorandum of Understanding was signed to expand cooperation in digital public infrastructure, AI, and emerging technologies. Brazil welcomed India’s leadership at the upcoming AI Summit 2026, and both nations committed to closer collaboration in science, innovation, and space exploration.

Industrial and Strategic Partnerships
Both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in pharmaceuticals, defence manufacturing, critical minerals, and the oil and gas sector. Indian pharmaceutical companies operating in Brazil were encouraged to deepen local partnerships, particularly in affordable healthcare and neglected diseases.

Global Governance and UNSC Reform
Reaffirming their shared vision for a reformed and inclusive global order, both countries reiterated mutual support for permanent membership in a restructured UN Security Council. The leaders supported convening a UN Charter review conference and underscored the need for multilateral reforms that represent the Global South.

Additional Agreements and People-to-People Ties
Six bilateral pacts were signed, including cooperation in renewable energy, intellectual property, and agricultural research. Upcoming agreements will target mutual legal assistance, defence industry collaboration, and archival cooperation. The Cultural Exchange Programme for 2025–2029 was also prioritized.

Closing Remarks
The leaders concluded by pledging to promote a just and inclusive world order rooted in international law. PM Modi extended an invitation to President Lula to visit India, which the Brazilian President accepted.