BRASILIA: (Jul 8) India and Brazil have set an ambitious target to nearly double their bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years, marking a major step in strengthening ties between the two nations. The decision came following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during which six key agreements were signed across sectors like energy, agriculture, and digital innovation.

Key Agreements and Highlights:

• Six MoUs Signed, including:

  • Cooperation in renewable energy

  • Combatting international terrorism and organized crime

  • Exchange and protection of classified information

  • Digital transformation and AI collaboration

  • Intellectual property rights

  • Agricultural research and food processing

PM Modi’s Key Statements:

"We have agreed to aim for USD 20 billion in trade within five years. Today’s discussions covered every major area of cooperation,” said Modi.

He emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism, stating:

“We both share a clear stance — no double standards and no space for terrorism or those who support it.”

Energy & Climate Cooperation

“Our partnership in clean energy is expanding rapidly. The agreements signed today will accelerate our shared green goals,” the Prime Minister said.

Defence & Digital Growth

Calling defence cooperation a symbol of deep mutual trust, Modi added:

“We will continue efforts to link our defence industries and are also working on the adoption of UPI in Brazil.”

India also offered to share expertise in digital public infrastructure, space technology, AI, and supercomputing.

 Agriculture, Ayurveda, and Health

Modi announced deeper collaboration in agriculture, food tech, and health sciences:

“We will jointly pursue agricultural research and expand the reach of Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Brazil.”

Global South & Geopolitics

“India-Brazil cooperation is not just important for us, but for the entire Global South and humanity at large,” Modi said.

He stressed that both nations believe in resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy, positioning their partnership as a pillar of stability in a tense global environment.

 Modi's Vision for People-to-People Ties

“We want India-Brazil relations to be as colorful as carnival, as passionate as football, and as heart-connecting as samba—with fewer visa hurdles.”

Modi pledged efforts to boost travel, tourism, student exchanges, sports partnerships, and business ties between citizens of both countries.

 Final Note

In a post on X, PM Modi described his meeting with President Lula as “fruitful” and praised the Brazilian leader’s consistent warmth toward India.

“There is immense potential to diversify and deepen India-Brazil trade and cooperation. Our friendship is poised for a powerful new chapter,” Modi concluded.