Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have set a target to boost bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years, signalling a significant step toward strengthening economic and strategic ties between the two major democracies, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.
The decision came during PM Modi’s state visit to Brazil, where both leaders held wide-ranging discussions on the “entire spectrum of the partnership.” MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said the talks covered critical areas including defence and security, agriculture, food and nutritional security, energy transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and industrial collaboration.
To support the trade goal, the two sides agreed to set up a ministerial-level mechanism to oversee trade, commerce, and investment cooperation. PM Modi also sought Brazil’s support in expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, a move welcomed by President Lula, who committed to advancing the initiative during Brazil’s presidency of the bloc.
This marks PM Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil and only the second standalone bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. He was warmly received in Brasília following his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. President Lula hosted a ceremonial welcome at the Palácio da Alvorada, followed by bilateral and delegation-level meetings.
Key Outcomes and Areas of Cooperation:
- Defence & Security: Focused on industrial partnerships and information-sharing; a new agreement was signed to combat international terrorism and organized crime.
- Energy & Climate: Cooperation in renewable energy, bioenergy, and clean technologies. India reaffirmed support for Brazil’s leadership at the upcoming COP30 climate summit.
- Critical Minerals: Brazil’s rich reserves of lithium, copper, and rare earths present collaboration opportunities to support India’s clean energy and manufacturing needs.
- Agriculture: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agricultural research was signed. PM Modi called for technology transfer and best practice sharing.
- Health & Pharmaceuticals: India sought expedited approval for Indian medicines already cleared by US and European regulators to ensure affordable access in Brazil.
- Digital Public Infrastructure: An MoU was signed to promote India’s large-scale digital solutions, supporting Brazil’s digital transformation goals.
- Innovation & Technology: Emphasis on AI, emerging technologies, and joint industrial ventures.
- People-to-People Ties: The leaders highlighted cooperation in sports, education, tourism, and cultural exchanges—drawing parallels between Brazil’s football and India’s cricket fandoms.
Diplomatic Milestones:
- Six MoUs and agreements were signed, including:
- Cooperation on terrorism and transnational crime
- Sharing digital public infrastructure
- Renewable energy collaboration
- Agricultural research
- Protection of classified information
- Intellectual property cooperation
PM Modi was also conferred Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, which he dedicated to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
President Lula hosted a banquet for PM Modi, during which both leaders exchanged views on global issues, South-South cooperation, and platforms like BRICS, G20, UN, and IPSA. PM Modi also thanked Lula for his strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in April and for Brazil’s solidarity with India.
Before departing for his next stop, Namibia, PM Modi extended an invitation to President Lula to visit India—a gesture that was warmly accepted.
The visit reflects a growing convergence between India and Brazil on global development, sustainable growth, and inclusive innovation, making their partnership increasingly influential within the Global South and beyond.