Brasilia [Brazil], July 9 (ANI): Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has invited Indian pharmaceutical companies to set up drug manufacturing operations in Brazil, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday (local time).
In a special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Brazil, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran said President Lula expressed enthusiasm about joint research and production in the pharmaceutical sector.
When asked about discussions on contract manufacturing by Indian private firms in Brazil, Kumaran noted, “President Lula actually welcomed Indian companies to manufacture drugs and pharmaceuticals in Brazil. He also said we can find ways to work together, do joint research in the area of pharmaceuticals. And he also said they will work on fast-track approvals for Indian drugs to enter easily, especially for drugs already having US FDA approval or EDQM approval.”
India’s Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, highlighted that about 15 major Indian laboratories and pharmaceutical companies are already operating in Brazil, many with local manufacturing. “Both leaders welcomed not just exports from India, but also joint collaborations in Brazil to produce medicines,” Bhatia said.
He added, “President Lula was very enthusiastic to take advantage of economical medicines that India produces for its public health distribution system, and they are willing to explore these possibilities. In that connection, ANVISA, the drug regulatory agency of Brazil, has opened an office in New Delhi recently. That also adds impetus to push this sector forward.”
Kumaran noted that Modi and Lula also discussed cooperation in agriculture, digitalisation, climate action, and people-to-people ties. “Both leaders acknowledged the importance of the agriculture sector and its significant contribution to the economies on both sides. The Prime Minister proposed enhanced collaboration in sharing knowledge, best practices, and technology transfer. It was also noted that both sides signed an MoU on cooperation in agricultural research,” he said.
On digital cooperation, Kumaran added, “There was also discussion on collaboration in the area of digitalisation and digital public infrastructure. They also spoke about enhancing people-to-people relations and connectivity, cooperation in sports and sports management, showcasing India’s strength in cricket and Brazil’s in football.”
On climate change, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability. PM Modi extended his support to President Lula in hosting the COP30 climate conference in Brazil.
PM Modi was on a State Visit to Brazil at the invitation of President Lula, during which he held bilateral meetings and attended the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
After wrapping up his Brazil visit, PM Modi departed for Namibia on Tuesday (local time) for a State Visit at the invitation of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. It marks his first visit to Namibia and the third Prime Ministerial visit from India to the country. (ANI)
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