Brazil’s leader Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stepped onto Indian soil Wednesday, launching a packed five-day itinerary designed to deepen ties with India. Minister of State Pabitra Margherita extended a ceremonial welcome at the airport, setting the tone for high-level engagements ahead.
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.