How Has PM Modi's Brazil Visit Strengthened Strategic Cooperation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Significant agreements: Six agreements were signed between India and Brazil.
- Strategic cooperation: Emphasis on collaboration in defense, trade, and technology.
- Visa liberalization: Aimed at facilitating easier travel.
- Condemnation of terrorism: Brazil's support in the fight against terrorism.
- Strengthening ties: The visit marks a historic moment for bilateral relations.
Brasilia, July 9 (NationPress) India's Ambassador to Brazil, Dinesh Bhatia, emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the South American country has notably bolstered the bilateral ties between the two nations, which play a crucial role in the Global South.
During his official trip to Brazil, PM Modi engaged in extensive talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday. The two leaders reached a consensus on enhancing collaboration across various sectors, including defense, trade, energy, agriculture, digital technology, and people-to-people connections.
Calling President Lula the “Chief Architect of the Strategic Partnership” between India and Brazil, Prime Minister Modi commended the Brazilian leader for his significant contributions in fortifying the relationship between the two democracies.
In an interview with IANS, Ambassador Bhatia underscored the significance of this visit, stating, “This marks the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in 57 years. There were very fruitful discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Lula. The leaders shared a strong rapport and addressed several topics that had perhaps never been discussed before, and now we are making progress on them.”
He noted that the leaders deliberated on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, defense, agriculture, oil and gas, and other strategic domains.
“Today, six agreements were also signed between the two nations. With this, the ties between the two countries, both of which are integral parts of the Global South, will further solidify,” Bhatia remarked.
Key topics included visa liberalization, aimed at facilitating movement for citizens of both nations.
Addressing this, PM Modi expressed, “We aspire for India-Brazil relations to be as vibrant as Carnival, as passionate as football, and as heartwarming as Samba—without the lengthy visa counter queues! In this spirit, we will collaborate to facilitate exchanges between our two nations, particularly for tourists, students, athletes, and entrepreneurs.”
Ambassador Bhatia also emphasized the significance of simplifying visa procedures.
“Visa liberalization is crucial because boosting trade and investment necessitates that businesspeople and genuine tourists can acquire visas with ease,” he stated.
The Ambassador also mentioned that President Lula conveyed his condolences and solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives, pledging Brazil’s support in the global battle against terrorism.
“Brazil and President Lula condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Furthermore, the new agreement on information exchange will significantly aid us in counter-terrorism and combating transnational crime,” Bhatia added.