India–Brazil Ties to Cross $20 Billion Trade Target: PM Modi
Strategic Partnership Gets Fresh Push During President Lula’s Visit
- Both nations aim to take bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in five years
- Cooperation to expand in AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and critical minerals
- India–MERCOSUR trade pact expansion discussed
- Leaders reaffirm commitment to Global South and UN reforms
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Feb: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed India’s commitment to deepening strategic ties with Brazil, setting an ambitious target to take bilateral trade beyond $20 billion over the next five years, during a joint press statement with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Welcoming President Lula and his delegation to India, the Prime Minister said the visit had added momentum to the historic AI Impact Summit and infused new energy into the India–Brazil strategic partnership. He described Brazil as India’s largest trading partner in Latin America and underlined that bilateral trade reflects not merely numbers but mutual trust.
Trade, Technology and Innovation
The two leaders discussed expanding the India–MERCOSUR Trade Agreement to further strengthen economic engagement. They also reviewed cooperation in digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, semiconductors and blockchain technologies.
Prime Minister Modi said India and Brazil are working towards establishing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil, adding that both countries believe technology must be inclusive and serve as a bridge for shared progress, particularly for the Global South.
Energy, Critical Minerals and Defence
Energy cooperation remains a strong pillar of the relationship, with both sides accelerating collaboration in renewable energy, ethanol blending and sustainable aviation fuel. Brazil’s active participation in the Global Biofuels Alliance was highlighted as a testament to shared green ambitions.
The two countries also concluded agreements in critical minerals and rare earths, aimed at building resilient supply chains. Defence cooperation, the Prime Minister noted, continues to grow as a reflection of mutual trust and strategic alignment.
Agriculture, Health and Climate
India and Brazil agreed to deepen collaboration in climate-resilient agriculture, precision farming and bio-fertilisers to enhance food security. Plans for Centres of Excellence in oilseeds, pulses and integrated farming in Brazil were also discussed.
In the health sector, India will expand the supply of affordable and quality medicines to Brazil while promoting Ayurveda and traditional medicine to support holistic healthcare.
Global South and Multilateral Reforms
On global issues, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the voice of the Global South. Prime Minister Modi stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolving conflicts and reiterated that terrorism and its supporters are enemies of humanity.
The leaders also called for urgent reforms of global institutions, particularly the United Nations system, to reflect contemporary realities.
Expressing confidence in the future of the partnership, the Prime Minister said President Lula’s visit would further deepen cooperation and open new avenues for collaboration in the years ahead.
