Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brasilia on Monday evening (local time) for a State Visit to Brazil, having attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6 to 7. He was met at the airport by Brazil’s Minister of Defense, Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho, and treated to a traditional Brazilian Samba Reggae performance, which he enjoyed. This visit is at the request of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
During his visit to Brasilia, PM Modi plans to conduct bilateral conversations with President Lula aimed at strengthening India-Brazil’s Strategic Partnership. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions will center on areas of mutual interest, such as trade, defense, energy, space, technology, agriculture, health, and people-to-people connections.
The visit is a significant step toward strengthening India-Brazil relations, which have historical roots dating back to colonial times and have evolved into a strong partnership, particularly given that both countries are key members of multilateral forums such as BRICS, G-20, and the International Solar Alliance.
Before landing in Brasilia, PM Modi praised the Rio de Janeiro part of his Brazil visit as “very productive”. He took part in detailed deliberations during the BRICS Summit, congratulated President Lula and the Brazilian government on their successful BRICS presidency, and emphasized that his bilateral encounters with foreign leaders would strengthen India’s worldwide ties.
Modi also posted a video on social media showcasing his participation in the summit, bilateral discussions, and the warm reception by the Indian diaspora in Rio de Janeiro.
Modi met with Uruguay President Yamandu Orsi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit to discuss the development of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement, which included a review of cooperation in digital collaboration, defense, railroads, health, agriculture, and other areas. Both sides expressed a desire to broaden the trade agreement in order to maximize economic potential and complementarities.
Modi spoke during the BRICS Summit during a session on ‘Environment, COP-30, and Global Health’, stating that under India’s next BRICS chairmanship, the grouping would be redefined to focus on “Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability”. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to people-centered progress as it leads BRICS in the coming year.
PM Modi’s visit to Brazil is part of a five-nation tour that began in Ghana and continues with Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Brazil. Following his commitments in Brasilia, he will go to Namibia on July 9 to address the country’s parliament.
When PM Modi arrived at his hotel in Brasilia, he was greeted warmly by the Indian diaspora, highlighting India and Brazil’s strong people-to-people links.
