Context:

The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brazil has marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral ties between India and Brazil. A total of six agreements were signed covering areas such as security, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and intellectual property.

The key takeaways from the visit are:

Defence and Security

The two leaders welcomed growing military collaboration, including joint exercises and senior-level visits. They signed Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information and established a Bilateral Cybersecurity Dialogue to share expertise on cyber threats. Both countries condemned terrorism and agreed to deepen action against UN-designated groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.

Food and Nutritional Security

As leading agricultural producers, India and Brazil agreed to advance sustainable farming, fair trade, and public stockholding for food security. They reaffirmed the goal of eradicating hunger by 2030 and pledged support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty. Joint research on crop productivity, animal genetics, and biotechnology will be encouraged through collaboration between national R&D bodies.

Energy Transition and Climate Action

The leaders underscored strong collaboration on bioenergy and biofuels, reaffirming their commitment to the Global Biofuels Alliance and exploring sustainable aviation fuel. Both sides agreed to step up collaboration on climate finance, sustainable development, and a stronger, fairer international financial system.

Digital Cooperation and Emerging Tech

Acknowledging the transformative potential of digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies, the two countries signed an MoU to deepen cooperation. India and Brazil pledged to work together on global digital governance and boost direct ties between their innovation ecosystems.

Industrial Partnerships:

• Both leaders noted growing bilateral investment flows and agreed to streamline visa processes to boost business and tourism. They invited closer ties in pharmaceuticals, aviation, defence equipment, mining, and oil and gas, including carbon capture technologies. A ministerial Commerce and Trade Review Mechanism will oversee the implementation of the 2020 Bilateral Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty and the 2022 Double Taxation Protocol. 
• The two countries have set a target to almost double their bilateral trade to $20 billion over the next five years. They have also agreed to streamline visa processes to boost business and tourism.

Conclusion:

The new strategic roadmap between India and Brazil is a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. With a shared vision of advancing peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, India and Brazil are poised to take their strategic partnership to new heights.