Brasilia [Brazil], July 9 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have set an ambitious target of expanding bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthen ties across strategic sectors. The announcement was made during PM Modi’s State visit to Brazil following the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Addressing a special briefing in Brasilia, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said the leaders discussed the “entire spectrum of the partnership,” encompassing key areas such as defence and security, agriculture, energy transformation, climate change, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, industrial cooperation, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
The two leaders agreed to elevate trade dialogue through the establishment of a ministerial-level mechanism to monitor commerce and investment. Prime Minister Modi also urged President Lula to support the expansion of the India-Mercosur Preferential Trade Agreement. Lula, in response, confirmed Brazil’s support and instructed his team to work toward this goal, especially as Brazil holds the Mercosur presidency for the remainder of the year.
Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Palácio da Alvorada, the official residence of the Brazilian President, marking his fourth visit to Brazil and only the second bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years. During their restricted and delegation-level talks, the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepen cooperation in sectors critical to both nations’ growth.
Health and Pharmaceutical Sector Boost
A significant highlight was President Lula’s enthusiastic support for Indian pharmaceutical firms to manufacture drugs in Brazil. Both sides discussed fast-tracking approvals for Indian medicines already cleared by the US FDA or European authorities to ensure cost-effective, high-quality drugs enter the Brazilian market. Notably, 15 major Indian pharmaceutical companies already operate in Brazil, many with local manufacturing facilities.
India’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, noted that Brazil’s drug regulatory agency ANVISA has recently opened an office in New Delhi, facilitating smoother regulatory processes and greater collaboration. Both leaders supported further joint research and production initiatives in pharmaceuticals to serve public health needs.
Energy, Minerals, and Sustainability
Recognizing Brazil’s vast reserves of critical minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, Modi and Lula explored joint ventures in mining, processing, and refining to support India’s clean energy transition. They also reiterated their shared dedication to climate action and sustainability, with PM Modi expressing full support for Brazil’s hosting of the COP30 climate summit. The leaders acknowledged the potential for collaboration in renewable energy, including bioenergy.
Digital and Technological Partnerships
The two nations signed key agreements, including MoUs on combating international terrorism and transnational organized crime, cooperation in renewable energy, and sharing large-scale digital public infrastructure solutions. An MoU on agricultural research was also finalized, highlighting cooperation in food security and technology exchange.
PM Modi proposed enhanced collaboration in digitalization, AI, and emerging technologies, while both leaders highlighted India’s strengths in digital infrastructure and Brazil’s interest in leveraging these for public services. Additional discussions were held on strengthening tourism, space exploration, capacity building, and cultural exchange—including India’s leadership in cricket and Brazil’s global stature in football.
Recognition and Commitments
At the conclusion of the official talks, PM Modi was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil’s highest civilian honor for foreign dignitaries. He dedicated the award to the people of India and the enduring friendship between the two nations.
President Lula hosted a banquet lunch in PM Modi’s honor, during which both leaders exchanged views on global and regional issues, particularly concerning the Global South. They pledged closer cooperation on multilateral platforms such as BRICS, G20, IPSA, and the United Nations.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed gratitude to President Lula for condemning the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to jointly combat terrorism in all its forms.
PM Modi extended an invitation to President Lula to visit India, which was graciously accepted. After concluding his Brazil visit, PM Modi departed for Namibia on July 9 for a State visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. This marks PM Modi’s first visit to Namibia and the third Prime Ministerial visit from India to the African nation.
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