The MEA took to X to declare the visit a resounding success, crediting it with elevating the India-Brazil strategic partnership and paving the way for concrete advancements. A heartfelt send-off was given by MoS Pabitra Margherita, symbolizing the robust friendship between the nations.

Reflecting on the trip, Lula posted a compelling video on X, portraying India and Brazil as more than Global South giants. He highlighted their unique roles: India as the global pharmacy and digital leader, Brazil as the world’s breadbasket and renewable energy hub. United by cultural richness and dedication to peace through multilateralism, the duo stands ready to collaborate.

He stressed that teamwork would solidify direct ties, bolster Mercosur relations, and invigorate the Global South. Saturday’s high-level talks with PM Narendra Modi delved into expanding cooperation, with detailed outcomes released by the MEA.

In the joint press statement, PM Modi extended a gracious welcome, mirroring the warmth of his Brazil visit last year. He lauded Lula’s farsightedness in nurturing India-Brazil relations over years of meetings marked by genuine camaraderie.

The visit added prestige to the AI Impact Summit and rejuvenated strategic dialogues. Modi thanked Lula for his steadfast friendship and dedication to mutual growth. This exchange signals a new era of deepened partnership, with potential ripples across trade, innovation, and international forums.

Jaishankar took to X to convey his appreciation for the meeting, noting the privilege of hosting Lula on his state visit. He commended the Brazilian leader’s enthusiastic vision for elevating their ties and anticipated fresh impetus from Lula’s interaction with PM Narendra Modi later in the day.

The day progressed with Lula’s meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi, culminating in a bilateral summit. Officials from the External Affairs Ministry outlined that the conversations would encompass a comprehensive review of bilateral relations, alongside exchanges on regional and international concerns like multilateral cooperation, global governance reforms, and Global South priorities. PM Modi is hosting a lunch in honor of the visiting dignitary.

Arriving on February 18 for the second AI Impact Summit, Lula’s entourage includes 14 ministers and leading Brazilian corporate executives, poised for high-level engagements with Indian counterparts.

Lula’s familiarity with India is evident from his six visits, starting with the 2004 Republic Day as chief guest, up to the 2023 G20 Summit. Frequent Modi-Lula meetings underscore their rapport, highlighted by Modi’s landmark 2025 Brasilia visit—breaking a 57-year gap for Indian PMs—and their 2025 Johannesburg G20 rendezvous.

Anchored in shared democratic ethos and interpersonal bonds, the India-Brazil partnership thrives in diverse domains. As India’s top LAC trade partner, collaborations intensify in defense, agri-tech, pharma, energy transitions, critical resources, S&T, DPI, AI, space exploration, and cultural exchanges. Consensus on UN restructuring, climate action, and anti-terror efforts further binds them.

This state visit is poised to chart ambitious pathways, deepening strategic synergies for bilateral gains and enhanced collaboration on worldwide stages.

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.

Expressing delight at returning to India for the sixth time, Lula affectionately called Modi a dear friend. He framed their meeting not merely as a democratic rendezvous but as a confluence of digital and renewable energy giants, united in promoting peace and multilateral order.

Lula reflected on the transformative Brasilia summit last year, where pacts across five key sectors breathed new life into cooperation. As culturally vibrant giants, India and Brazil must amplify their influence, he urged, especially in reforming institutions like the UN Security Council.

Echoing Modi’s BRICS speech, Lula advocated ditching outdated 20th-century mechanisms for 21st-century solutions. The G4 group’s push for expanded permanent and non-permanent seats remains critical, he said, to ensure Global South representation in tackling worldwide issues.

Condemning the Pulwama terror attack, Lula affirmed Brazil’s consistent stance against such violence, emphasizing that terrorism knows no borders and shouldn’t be exploited geopolitically. Brazil remains steadfast in maintaining South America as a zone of peace.

The agenda yielded three pivotal MoUs on digital collaboration, critical minerals cooperation, and steel-mining supply chains. A bold trade goal of over $20 billion by 2029 signals economic momentum.

Lula’s state visit featured a grand reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, complete with Guard of Honour from President Murmu and PM Modi. In closing, he envisioned a robust partnership that strengthens the Global South, preventing bipolar superpower rivalries from resurfacing.

Official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared the video on X, writing, ‘Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is arriving soon in India. Catch glimpses of the strong, diverse, and strategic India-Brazil relations.’ This comes just ahead of Lula’s arrival in New Delhi.

The itinerary is packed with high-level engagements. Lula will address the AI Impact Summit and engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From Brazil, Lula posted, ‘We are now departing for India at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. I’ll join the AI Impact Summit and explore new cooperation opportunities between our nations.’

A prominent feature of the visit is the accompanying high-level business delegation, aimed at strengthening economic bonds. According to the MEA, the Modi-Lula meeting will comprehensively assess bilateral ties. PM Modi will host lunch, and the leaders will exchange views on global challenges like multilateral reforms, global governance, and Global South priorities.

President Droupadi Murmu’s meeting with Lula will be followed by a state banquet. Interactions are also planned with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and EAM S. Jaishankar. The delegation boasts 14 ministers set for counterpart meetings and leading CEOs participating in a dedicated business forum.

This visit not only reinforces diplomatic warmth but also signals a new chapter in trade, technology, and strategic collaboration, reflecting the mutual commitment to shared prosperity.

Official announcements from the MEA underscore the visit’s importance, with Lula set to address the India AI Impact Summit and hold key talks with PM Narendra Modi. Invited personally by Modi, this trip brings along a powerhouse business delegation, representing scores of Brazilian firms eager for Indian market expansion.

From February 18 to 22, Lula’s schedule is brimming with activity. He’ll headline the AI summit on the 19th and 20th, spotlighting tech innovations and joint ventures. Bilateral discussions will cover trade—which hit over $15 billion in 2025—energy, agriculture, and defense cooperation.

PM Modi will host a special lunch, fostering candid exchanges on bilateral progress. President Droupadi Murmu’s meeting and banquet will add ceremonial gravitas, joined by Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and EAM S. Jaishankar. The dialogue will tackle global challenges, from multilateral reforms to Global South advocacy.

India and Brazil share a robust strategic partnership, built on aligned democratic principles and development goals. Lula’s visit is expected to propel this alliance forward, unlocking new economic corridors and reinforcing collaborative efforts in international forums. In an era of geopolitical flux, this engagement exemplifies South-South solidarity.

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.

MEA officials confirmed during a briefing that Lula will arrive with business leaders, ready to forge new avenues in technology and trade. The itinerary includes crucial bilateral discussions on February 21, alongside a ceremonial meeting with President Droupadi Murmu and engagements with Vice President and other dignitaries.

Adding to the diplomatic buzz, French President Emmanuel Macron arrives February 17 for a packed three-day schedule. He and PM Modi will deliberate on Horizon 2047 priorities, from innovation to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. A highlight will be launching the India-France Year of Innovation in Mumbai, celebrating collaborative breakthroughs through 2026.

Macron caps his visit by joining the AI Summit on February 19. With additional global figures slated to attend, the event promises robust dialogues on AI governance, ethical innovation, and sustainable growth. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the summit’s role in uniting leaders for a responsible AI future.

These back-to-back visits reflect India’s masterful diplomacy, blending summits with statecraft to elevate its global stature. Expect announcements on joint ventures that could redefine tech landscapes across continents.

In a recent call with Trump, Lula locked in plans for a Washington summit after his Asian engagements, with specifics to follow. Buzz in diplomatic circles suggests Lula’s participation in New Delhi’s AI summit, a move that could catalyze joint advancements in artificial intelligence and beyond.

The groundwork was laid earlier this month through a Modi-Lula phone call. Both recommitted to strengthening their strategic partnership, reviewing progress in vital areas like trade, tech, defense, energy, healthcare, farming, and cultural exchanges. Discussions extended to global concerns, advocating for updated multilateral frameworks.

Modi’s invitation during that call has borne fruit. Recalling Modi’s 2025 Brazil visit, leaders had brainstormed extensively on trade growth, defense pacts, pharma and health, space tech, green energy, agri-processing, infrastructure, UPI-style digital tools, Ayurveda, yoga, sports, and grassroots connectivity. Targets included hitting $20 billion trade by expanding Mercosur ties and boosting energy sector investments.

Fresh opportunities in critical minerals, next-gen tech like AI and supercomputers, digital ties, and mobility solutions were identified. As Lula lands in India, expect announcements that propel these agendas forward, cementing a robust alliance amid shifting geopolitics and economic ambitions.

“Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year’s BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Minister Modi was enthusiastically greeted by the Indian community. The welcome included a musical performance of traditional bhajans. The Indian diaspora presented a traditional dance based on ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a strategic military operation launched in response to evolving asymmetric warfare tactics, particularly those targeting civilians.

Sharing his sentiments on X, PM Modi expressed his deep admiration for the Indian diaspora’s strong connection and emotional attachment to Indian culture. “Members of Brazil’s Indian community gave a very vibrant welcome in Rio de Janeiro. It’s amazing how they remain connected with Indian culture and are also very passionate about India’s development!” he shared on X.

Before the summit, PM Modi shared on X, “Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasilia, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit.”

During the 17th BRICS Summit (July 6-7), PM Modi is expected to share his perspectives on key global issues such as peace and security, multilateral cooperation, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, climate change, global health, and economic and financial matters. Brazil is the fourth country on his five-nation tour.