Brazil’s President Lula da Silva has left Rio de Janeiro for New Delhi, embarking on a packed itinerary that underscores the growing synergy between Brazil and India. The highlight is his participation in the second AI Impact Summit, but the real game-changer lies in the bilateral engagements aimed at supercharging economic and strategic ties.
Lula shared his excitement on social media: responding to PM Modi’s invite, he’ll dive into AI discussions and scout new cooperative ventures. A powerhouse delegation trails him – 14 ministers and CEOs from Brazil’s corporate giants – ready to ink deals and expand trade, which hit over $15 billion this year.
From February 18-22, the agenda is loaded. Bilateral summit with Modi on the 21st will dissect the partnership’s progress. Expect talks on everything from multilateral reforms to Global South advocacy. Modi hosts lunch; President Murmu offers a state banquet. Jaishankar and the Vice President round out the top meets.
Business is buzzing too. Ministers sync with Indian peers; execs hit the India-Brazil Business Forum. This isn’t Lula’s first rodeo – sixth time in India, from 2004 Republic Day honors to 2023 G20. Modi’s 2025 Brasilia trip was a historic first in decades.
The 2006 strategic pact has flourished across fronts: defense pacts, energy deals, agri-tech, pharma booms, green energy pushes, mineral mining, tech innovations, DPI frameworks, AI frontiers, and space ambitions. Strong democracies with vibrant people links form the bedrock.
As global challenges mount, this visit positions both nations to lead. It promises not just reinforced bilateral bonds but a fresh momentum for joint advocacy on world platforms, heralding a new chapter in South-South cooperation.