How Are PM Modi and President Lula Strengthening India-Brazil Cooperation?

Brasilia, July 9 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday, where both leaders committed to enhancing cooperation between their nations across various sectors. PM Modi referred to President Lula da Silva as the 'Chief Architect of the Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil', emphasizing the significant role the Brazilian leader has played in "deepening our relations".

"I had productive discussions with President Lula, who has consistently advocated for stronger India-Brazil ties. Our discussions revolved around ways to enhance trade relations and diversify our bilateral trade. We both recognize the vast potential for these linkages to flourish in the future," PM Modi shared on X, along with photos from the meeting.

Topics such as clean energy, sustainable development, and addressing climate change featured prominently in their discussions. Other fields where collaboration will be intensified include defense, security, AI, and agriculture. PM Modi noted that cooperation in space, semiconductors, and DPI will significantly benefit both nations.

During a joint press conference, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Lula for the warm reception in Rio and Brasilia. He conveyed that receiving Brazil's highest national award from President Lula was a moment of profound pride not only for him but for 1.4 billion Indians.

Furthermore, he stated, "My esteemed friend, President Lula, is the Chief Architect of the Strategic Partnership between our countries. His unwavering commitment has inspired me to strive for the betterment of both nations. I dedicate this honor to his dedication to India and our lasting friendship."

During the talks, the leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration across all sectors, setting a goal to elevate bilateral trade to $20 billion over the next five years.

"Football captivates Brazil, just as cricket is cherished in India. Achieving a $20 billion partnership together is achievable. We will also focus on expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA)," PM Modi remarked.

He also noted the steady growth of their cooperation in the energy sector.

Both nations prioritize the environment and clean energy.

"The agreement signed today aims to bolster collaboration in this sector, propelling our green goals forward. I wish President Lula success at the upcoming COP-30 Summit in Brazil later this year. Our expanding partnership in defense demonstrates the deep trust we share," he stated.

PM Modi mentioned that India and Brazil's collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and Supercomputers is also growing, reflecting their commitment to inclusive development and human-centric innovation.

He added that both countries are jointly working towards the adoption of UPI in Brazil, expressing eagerness to share India’s successful experiences in Digital Public Infrastructure and Space.

"Our ongoing cooperation in agriculture and animal husbandry spans decades, now extending into agricultural research and food processing. In the health sector, we are enhancing our collaborative efforts, including expanding Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Brazil. The bonds between our people are crucial to our relationship, and our mutual love for sports strengthens this connection.

"We aspire for India-Brazil relations to be as vibrant as Carnival, as passionate as football, and as heartfelt as Samba—all without lengthy visa queues! With this spirit, we will work towards facilitating exchanges between our nations, especially for tourists, students, athletes, and businesspeople," PM Modi concluded.

On a global scale, India and Brazil have consistently worked in close coordination.

"As two prominent democracies, our collaboration is vital not only for the Global South but also for all of humanity. We believe it is our moral duty to highlight the concerns and priorities of the Global South on the global stage.

"In today's world, rife with tension and uncertainty, our partnership serves as a critical pillar of stability. We firmly agree that all disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy."

PM Modi reiterated that India and Brazil share a unified stance against terrorism—maintaining zero tolerance and zero double standards.

"We firmly oppose both terrorism and its supporters," he affirmed.

PM Modi extended an invitation to President Lula to visit India.

"On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I express my heartfelt gratitude for this esteemed national honor and for your unwavering friendship. I also invite you to visit India. Thank you," he concluded.