Will PM's Historic Visit to Brazil Boost Agricultural and Trade Relations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Significant boost in India-Brazil relations expected.
- Focus on agriculture and trade sectors.
- Potential for key bilateral agreements during the visit.
- First visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly 60 years.
- Strengthening of strategic partnerships in various fields.
Rio de Janeiro, July 6 (NationPress) Upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday, the bilateral relations between India and Brazil are poised for significant enhancement, particularly in the agricultural and trade sectors. This momentum will be further amplified during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the BRICS Summit, alongside several bilateral discussions.
In an interview with IANS, Natu M. Patel, Managing Director of Meghmani Organics Limited and Vice-Chairman of FICCI Gujarat, remarked, "The collaboration between India and Brazil is extraordinary, especially in agriculture. Brazil excels in agricultural production, boasting higher per-hectare yields for many crops than India. Despite this, they rely heavily on imports for agricultural inputs like fertilizers..."
Highlighting the trade partnership, Suresh Gondalia, Secretary of Kiri Industries Group, stated, "Currently, the trade volume between India and Brazil is around $15 billion. With Prime Minister Modi’s visit and the anticipated signing of key bilateral agreements, I expect this number to rise significantly..."
Upon his arrival, PM Modi engaged with members of the Indian-origin community, receiving a warm and enthusiastic welcome.
The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that bilateral trade relations are projected to reach $12.20 billion for 2024-2025.
Brazil stands as India’s largest trading partner in South America, with India's total investment in Brazil exceeding $6 billion and Brazil's investment in India nearing $1 billion.
In 2024, the FSSAI and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock formalized a memorandum of understanding focused on food safety.
Additionally, an MOU for collaboration in health was signed between India and Brazil in January 2020.
Both leaders have met previously in December 2023 (Dubai), June 2023 (Canada), June 2024 (Brazil), and June 2024 (Italy).
This marks PM Modi's fourth visit to Brazil.
The BRICS bloc comprises 11 major economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Indonesia.
India has chaired BRICS on three occasions: September 2021, October 2016, and March 2012, hosting over 150 events during its 2021 presidency.
During this visit, PM Modi will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, followed by a state visit to Brasilia. This will be the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades.
In Brasilia, PM Modi will engage in talks with President Lula da Silva to expand the strategic partnership in areas like trade, defense, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people connections.
Before embarking on this five-nation tour, PM Modi stated, "As a founding member of BRICS, India is dedicated to the bloc as a critical platform for cooperation among emerging economies."
"Together, we aim for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic, and balanced multipolar world order," he added.