New Delhi, Feb 20 (NationPress): Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva officially inaugurated the inaugural office of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex) in New Delhi on Saturday.

"This agency is dedicated to promoting Brazilian products and services on a global scale while also attracting foreign investments to key sectors of our economy," President Lula conveyed through a post on X.

"Brazil and India stand as two of the most significant nations in the Global South. Our trade flow reached USD 15.2 billion in 2025, with substantial potential for expansion. I was joined by various government ministers and the president of Apex, Jorge Viana," he commented.

During this week, President Lula made a notable state visit to India, accompanied by the largest Brazilian business delegation to travel internationally, reinforcing the importance of trade and economic collaboration in bilateral relations.

With over 260 Brazilian companies, approximately 14 cabinet ministers, and several leading executives, Lula's mission is to enhance commercial connections amid evolving global trade patterns influenced by the tariff measures introduced by the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

This visit aligns with Lula's attendance at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, where he tackled topics linked to technology, digital public infrastructure, and the significance of artificial intelligence in fostering inclusive growth. He participated in the summit on Wednesday, highlighting technology cooperation as a burgeoning aspect of India-Brazil relations.

On February 21, Lula is set to engage in extensive bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that the two leaders would evaluate the comprehensive scope of their bilateral relations, including trade, investment, energy, defense collaboration, digital technologies, and people-to-people interactions.

"The leaders will also share perspectives on regional and global matters of mutual significance, encompassing cooperation in multilateral platforms, reformed multilateralism, global governance, and issues pertinent to the Global South," the MEA stated.

The focus on trade and economic collaboration has emerged as the cornerstone of Lula's visit, particularly against the backdrop of protective measures adopted by Washington in recent years. Brazilian officials recognize India as a vital ally for market diversification and strengthening South-South cooperation.

The significant size of the delegation symbolizes Brasilia's commitment to fortifying commercial ties with New Delhi during a period of global supply chain reconfigurations.

The India-Brazil partnership was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, founded on shared democratic principles and a mutual vision for inclusive development.

Over the years, both nations have collaborated closely in various plurilateral and multilateral forums, such as BRICS, IBSA, the G20, the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and UNESCO.