Look forward to welcome Brazil’s Prez Lula da Silva to India: PM Modi
In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday, expressing his eagerness to welcome him to India. The conversation between the two leaders comes at a time when both India and Brazil are navigating complex geopolitical relationships, particularly with the United States. During their conversation, PM Modi and President Lula da Silva reviewed the strong momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, highlighting the importance of their close cooperation in advancing the shared interests of the Global South.
The India-Brazil Strategic Partnership has been gaining momentum in recent years, with both countries collaborating on a range of issues, including trade, investment, defense, and climate change. The partnership is built on the foundation of shared values, such as democracy, pluralism, and a commitment to multilateralism. As two of the largest emerging economies, India and Brazil have a significant role to play in shaping the global agenda and promoting the interests of the Global South.
PM Modi’s conversation with President Lula da Silva assumes significance in the context of the current global economic landscape. Both India and Brazil are facing tariff-related tensions with the United States, which has imposed tariffs on certain imports from these countries. The tariffs have had a negative impact on the exports of both India and Brazil, affecting their trade balances and economic growth. In this context, the close cooperation between India and Brazil is vital for advancing their shared interests and promoting their economic development.
The India-Brazil Strategic Partnership has several key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, defense and security, and climate change. In the area of trade and investment, India and Brazil have been working to increase their bilateral trade, which currently stands at around $10 billion. Both countries have identified several areas of potential cooperation, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. The two countries have also been discussing the possibility of a free trade agreement, which would help to boost their trade and investment ties.
In the area of defense and security, India and Brazil have been cooperating on several initiatives, including joint military exercises and defense production. The two countries have also been discussing the possibility of cooperation in the area of cybersecurity, which is a critical component of national security in the digital age. India and Brazil have also been working together on several regional and global forums, including the BRICS grouping and the G20.
Climate change is another critical area of cooperation between India and Brazil. Both countries have been working together to promote sustainable development and reduce their carbon footprint. India and Brazil have been cooperating on several initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The two countries have also been discussing the possibility of cooperation in the area of renewable energy, including solar and wind power.
PM Modi’s conversation with President Lula da Silva also highlights the importance of people-to-people ties between India and Brazil. The two countries have a long history of cultural exchange, with several Indian companies operating in Brazil and several Brazilian companies operating in India. The two countries have also been cooperating on several educational initiatives, including student exchange programs and joint research projects.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s conversation with President Lula da Silva highlights the strong momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. The partnership is built on the foundation of shared values and a commitment to multilateralism, and has several key areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, defense and security, and climate change. As two of the largest emerging economies, India and Brazil have a significant role to play in shaping the global agenda and promoting the interests of the Global South. We look forward to welcoming President Lula da Silva to India and strengthening the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership in the years to come.