Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his state visit to Brazil, described the India-Brazil partnership as a crucial pillar of global “stability and balance,” underlining its significance not only for the Global South but for the entire world.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after delegation-level talks, PM Modi stressed both nations’ united stance on terrorism, stating, “We share a common approach — zero tolerance and zero double standards.” He added that all global disputes must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Modi underscored the strategic and growing cooperation between the two democracies in key sectors including defence, energy, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and supercomputing. “Our cooperation reflects a shared vision for inclusive development and human-centric innovation,” he said.
Highlighting their joint green goals, he welcomed new agreements in clean energy and reaffirmed India’s support for Brazil’s leadership at the upcoming COP-30 climate summit. The Prime Minister also announced progress on the adoption of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Brazil, offering to share India’s successful digital innovations and space technology.
Calling President Lula the “chief architect” of the India-Brazil strategic partnership, Modi praised his long-standing efforts to deepen bilateral ties. In a symbolic gesture, President Lula conferred Brazil’s highest civilian award, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, on PM Modi — an honour he said he accepted on behalf of 140 crore Indians.
Further strengthening their economic goals, the leaders committed to increasing bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years and expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
Modi also emphasised the historic cooperation in agriculture, health, and traditional medicine, particularly Ayurveda. He described the India-Brazil connection as vibrant and people-centric, noting that cultural exchange and mobility — especially among students, tourists, sportspersons, and business communities — will be a focus.
“With shared passions like football and cricket, and a spirit as lively as the samba, we envision our partnership to be as dynamic and colourful as a carnival,” Modi concluded.
The visit, following the BRICS Summit, was marked by a warm welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia and a reaffirmation of mutual respect and strategic intent between the two nations.
