New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have charted an ambitious economic roadmap, setting a bilateral trade target of $20 billion over the next five years. During a high-level summit in New Delhi on Saturday, the two leaders held extensive discussions aimed at elevating their strategic partnership. Highlighting Brazil’s status as India’s primary trading partner in Latin America, Prime Minister Modi characterized the burgeoning economic ties as a “reflection of trust” between the two emerging global powers.
The bilateral talks focused heavily on technological integration and the expansion of the MERCOSUR trade framework. A key outcome of the meeting is the planned establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil, alongside deepened cooperation in cutting-edge fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Both leaders emphasized that this technological synergy would serve as a blueprint for the Global South, ensuring that digital progress remains inclusive and accessible across developing nations.
Sustainability and energy security also featured prominently on the agenda. India and Brazil, both major players in the Global Biofuel Alliance, agreed to accelerate joint efforts in ethanol blending and the development of sustainable aviation fuel. This green energy partnership is complemented by a new agreement on critical minerals and rare earths, designed to secure resilient supply chains for the future. Additionally, the two nations explored expanding their defense alignment and agricultural collaboration, including a specialized center in Brazil focused on high-yield oilseeds and pulses.
Beyond economic and technical cooperation, the summit underscored a shared geopolitical vision. Prime Minister Modi noted that the partnership amplifies the “voice of the Global South,” particularly in advocating for the reform of international institutions. With President Lula in India to also participate in the AI Impact Summit, the visit solidifies a mutual commitment to diplomacy and multilateralism, ensuring that the India-Brazil relationship remains a cornerstone of stability and growth in an evolving global order.
