Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, saying the two countries will work together to strengthen trade and cultural links.
“It is always a delight to meet President Lula. India and Brazil will continue to work closely to boost trade and cultural linkages for the benefit of our people,” PM Modi posted on X with photographs of the meeting.
The leaders reaffirmed momentum from Modi’s state visit to Brazil in July and underlined their commitment to deepen the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership. They last met in Brasília during that visit, which followed PM Modi’s participation in the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. During the trip, Brazil conferred its highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, on PM Modi.
During the July visit, the two countries agreed a comprehensive framework to expand cooperation across sectors including trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties. Both leaders emphasised a “people-centric” approach to deepen cooperation within the Global South.
India and Brazil — influential members of forums such as BRICS, the G20 and the United Nations — said closer alignment could have wider implications for global governance, climate action and equitable development. President Lula signalled interest in leveraging Brazil’s agricultural and technological strengths for mutual growth, while India indicated it sees Brazil as a partner for diversifying energy sources, enhancing defence collaboration and promoting inclusive health initiatives.
Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Celso Amorim, special adviser to the Brazilian president, in New Delhi to discuss deepening strategic cooperation. After the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X: “A pleasure meeting Amb. Celso Amorim, Special Advisor to President of Brazil, today in New Delhi. Had a useful exchange on the current global scenario and on opportunities for deepening our strategic cooperation.”
(IANS)
