PM Modi gets ceremonial welcome in Brasília, bolstering India-Brazil strategic ties

New Delhi, Jul 8: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília, marking the start of his State Visit to Brazil aimed at reinforcing the robust and multifaceted strategic partnership between the two large democracies. Modi was warmly received by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Rosângela Lula da Silva (Janja Lula) at the official residence with military honours and a guard of honour.

The welcome, steeped in tradition and symbolism, was followed by a high-level bilateral meeting agenda expected to span issues from trade and investment to defence cooperation, energy security, and multilateral alignment in forums like BRICS and G20.

“Broadening the horizons of the Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi warmly received by President @LulaOficial and First Lady @JanjaLula at the Alvorada Palace with a guard of honour & ceremonial welcome. Bilateral talks lie ahead,” tweeted Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

Last night, the warm diplomatic gesture was mirrored by the Indian diaspora and Brazilian performers who gathered to welcome the Prime Minister on his arrival in Brasília. A cultural fusion performance featuring the resonant Shiva Tandava Stotram and vibrant Samba Reggae rhythms offered a unique display of India-Brazil unity in diversity.m“Glimpses from the ceremonial welcome in Brasília. This state visit to Brazil will add momentum to our bilateral relations,” PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing visuals from the grand reception.

During his visit, Modi also held a “productive interaction” with Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian President. “Productive interaction with Dilma Rousseff, President of the New Development Bank and former President of Brazil. @dilmabr,” the Prime Minister tweeted, underscoring the importance of financial institutions in advancing South-South cooperation.

India and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948, with each country opening an embassy in the other’s capital the same year. Shared colonial experiences, both Brazil and Goa being former Portuguese outposts, have left enduring marks on cuisine, attire, and cultural traditions. Today, the two countries maintain Consulates General in São Paulo and Mumbai, respectively.

The bilateral relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006. Since then, it has been underpinned by a series of institutional mechanisms, including the Joint Commission Meeting, Strategic Dialogue, Foreign Office Consultations, and sector-specific joint working groups. Remarkably, Brazil’s vast cattle population largely descends from Indian breeds like Gir and Kankrej, exported in the early 20th century. Frequent high-level exchanges have sustained momentum in the partnership. President Lula and PM Modi have met four times since 2023. Lula’s last visit to India was for the G20 Summit in September 2023. Modi had previously visited Brazil in November 2024 for the G20 and has attended several BRICS summits hosted by Brazil.

Brazil is India’s largest trading partner in Latin America, while India ranks among Brazil’s top ten trade partners. In 2024–25, bilateral trade reached $12.2 billion, with Indian exports totaling $6.77 billion and imports at $5.43 billion.  Defence collaboration is growing steadily, with both countries exploring joint development of Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). A recent milestone was the MoU between Brazilian aerospace major Embraer and India’s Mahindra to co-develop the C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft. Embraer has also established a subsidiary in New Delhi. Space cooperation is another highlight: Brazil’s Amazonia-1 satellite was successfully launched by ISRO from Sriharikota in 2021, demonstrating deepening collaboration in peaceful space research.

Agriculture remains a key sector of engagement. Brazilian cattle, derived from Indian breeds, have been genetically adapted for high milk production. Meanwhile, food processing and animal husbandry are potential new frontiers for cooperation.

The cultural connection is thriving. This year, Brazilian Vedanta scholar Jonas Masetti was conferred the Padma Shri for his efforts in promoting Indian philosophy and spirituality. The "Filhos de Gandhy" (Sons of Gandhi) group in Salvador continues to celebrate Gandhian ideals in vibrant public processions. An estimated 4,000 Indians live in Brazil, mainly in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Manaus.