In a display of strengthening diplomatic bonds, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was formally welcomed at India’s Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday. Accompanied by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ceremony set the tone for fruitful engagements during Lula’s state visit from February 18-22.
The spotlight now shifts to Hyderabad House, where PM Modi and President Lula are engaged in crucial bilateral discussions. Key agenda items include enhancing trade, commercial ties, and strategic collaboration between the two nations, both pivotal voices in the Global South.
Lula’s entourage boasts 14 ministers and leading Brazilian CEOs, setting the stage for concurrent ministerial meetings and a vibrant business forum. This robust participation reflects the burgeoning economic interface between India and Brazil, with expectations of new deals and investments.
Preceding the main talks, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar had productive interactions with Lula and his counterpart Mauro Vieira, expressing optimism on X about the momentum from PM Modi’s upcoming meeting. The MEA briefing outlined comprehensive reviews of bilateral ties, a hosted lunch by the PM, and exchanges on global governance, multilateralism, and shared regional interests.
Adding to the itinerary, President Murmu’s state dinner and Lula’s participation in the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 highlight the multifaceted nature of this visit. As Lula returns for his sixth time, the focus remains on actionable outcomes in defense, energy, agriculture, and innovation, heralding an era of elevated India-Brazil partnership amid evolving world dynamics.