India – Brazil Bilateral Relations

Practice Question: In the light of recent visit of PM MODI to Brazil, explain broadly the contours of this strategic partnership.

Practice Question: Explain in detail the agreements reached and common ground found during the years in India Brazil relationship.

Practice Question: Enumerate the agenda constituted and agreements reached between India and Brazil as part of global South cooperation along with an examination of this cooperation.

Answer:The following answer is divided into two parts namely, I• Common contours of agreements reached so far and common points of interest and understanding ;

II• Analysis and deconstruction of the relationship shared between India and Brazil.

I• Common contours of agreements reached so far and common points of interest and understanding .

(i) Defense and Security

●India and Brazil have welcomed the degree of defense cooperation between both the countries.

• There have been joint level military exercises.

• Exchange of high level defense delegation. •Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection Classified Information was signed.

•Establishment of Bilateral Cybersecurity Dialogue that will aid in deepening of cooperation between these two countries through:

□Exchange of the following : ▪︎Information ▪︎Experiences

▪︎National Perspectives for Cybersecurity Issues

• Brazil-India Agreement on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime

•Praised the adoption and pledged support to signing of United Nations Convention on Cybercrime (scheduled to take place in 2025 , Hanoi)

•There was a meeting ground in terms of agreement to put concerted effort to act against UN designated terrorists and terrorist entities, including those designated by the 1267 UNSC Sanctions Committee like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). 

•There was reaffirmation of both the countries’ strong commitment in their effort to disrupt terror financing channels at various fronts including FATF and UN.

●Agreement regarding enhancement of cooperation in strategic areas such as :

•outer space

•maritime and oceanic cooperation

●Collaboration in area of :

•Satellite design , development, launch vehicles •commercial launch

•control stations

•research and development •training

● Emphasis on the need to strengthen multilateralism.

•Underscoring the urgent need to revitalize dialogue and other mechanisms for the peaceful resolution of disputes, affirming . Hence, the need for diplomacy.

•Reaffirmation of comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories , with better representation of Latin America, Caribbean, Asia , and Africa.

•Lending mutual support to India and Brazil for the permanent membership of their countries in an expanded Security Council. For example, India welcomed Brazil’s support to India’s candidature for the non-permanent UNSC seat for the term 2028-29.

●Under rule of International Law, building a fairer rule of law which is attentive to the aspirations of Global South.• Emphasizing the urgent and comprehensive reform of global governance institutions that increase the representation of developing countries in their decision-making bodies . For example, comprehensive reform of the UN Charter, including the convening of a review conference, in accordance with its Article 109.

●Regarding Middle East:

•Reiteration on tools of dialogue and diplomacy.

•The urgent need for an establishment of a sovereign viable and independent state of Palestine living within secure and mutually recognized borders side by side in peace and security with Israel. 

•The immediate release of all hostages and the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access through out Gaza.

• Continued recognition of support for UNRWA and mandate of UNGA.

●Regarding Ukraine:

•diplomatic efforts towards cessation of hostilities

•Need for both parties to move forward towards a peaceful and lasting resolution.

(ii) Food and Nutritional Security

●They recalled the goal of eradicating hunger worldwide by 2030 and renewed their support to the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, recognizing the crucial role that the Alliance can play in mobilizing resources and knowledge for the implementation of public policies and social technologies of proven effectiveness.

●India and Brazil are major world food producers . They aimed at :

•pursue development, fight inequalities and promote social inclusion policies .

•increase food and nutritional security through enactment of policies and programs that aim to achieve objectives of increasing productivity. For example, through measures of sustainable agriculture, remunerative returns and income support to farmers, and also providing greater access to health and quality education.

•Focus the aforementioned measures especially on those most affected by poverty, hunger and malnutrition.

 •Measures to work against protectionism or unilateral restrictions, especially on pretext of environmental, security or climate concerns .

•Instead, measures should be taken , keeping WTO as the focal point, to promote open, fair, transparent, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system.

•Promote joint research and development institutions of both countries to increase agricultural productivity and improve animal genetics, through the application of reproductive biotechnology techniques and the enhancement of animal nutrition, etc.

(iii) Energy Transition and Climate Change

•Both countries are memebers of Global Biofuels Alliance.

•There has been a brilliant collaboration between the two countries in field of bioenergy and biofuel.

•Promotion of clean, sustainable, just, affordable, and inclusive energy transitions through multiple pathways.

•Emphathetic emphasis on need of approaches that are technology-neutral, integrated, and inclusive for deployment of a variety of low-emission energy sources, sustainable fuels, and technologies.

•Example 1 – sustainable biofuels and flex-fuel vehicles in decarbonizing the transport and mobility sector and in promoting sustainable development.

•Example 2- recognition of the role that India-Brazil partnership in SAF can play in the deployment and development of the SAF as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) remains the major, mature, and viable pathways to reduce emissions from the aviation sector

●Welcoming of Brazil’s initiative to launch the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), in the lead-up to COP30.

•Enhancement of exchange and joint efforts aimed at promoting concrete actions that will support the establishment of an international mechanism dedicated to the protection and preservation of tropical forests.

•India appreciated the invitation extended by Brazil to join the COP30 Circle of Finance Ministers, with the objective of contributing to the development of the “Baku to Belém Roadmap for USD 1.3 trillion,”

•PM of India also conveyed his government´s interest in making an active contribution to the aforementioned process.

●Addressing climate change from the perspective of sustainable development and poverty eradication.

•Through dialogue and coordination efforts towards strengthening the climate change regime under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol and its Paris Agreement.

•A pledge was made to continue working together towards implementation of the UNFCCC

•Pledge towards achievement of goals of its Paris Agreement from the vantage point of equity and the best available science, keeping in mind the gravity and sense of urgency of the global climate crisis.

 •An underscore of the importance of joint projects in partnership with ISA (International Solar Alliance) and CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure) in third countries was made.

•Assurance by India regarding its support to the Brazilian presidency of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP30) that is to be held in Belém, in November 2025.(iv) Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies

•Promotion of collaboration in exploration and advancement of collaborative frameworks and projects with the use of innovative Digital Public Infrastructures in fields of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies, in order to achieve economic development and digital transformation.

•Signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand this collaboration, fostering joint initiatives for capacity building, exchange of good practices, development of pilot projects and institutional cooperation, supporting digital transformation and the provision of quality public services at scale for their citizens.

•In order to achieve digital government, pledge has been made to work on multilateral fora , focussing on potential benefits and risks in field of artificial intelligence. Note: India will be leading the next AI Summit in 2026.

•Increase bilateral cooperation in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

•Need to convene the Joint Commission on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, to foster collaboration in priority areas for both countries, for example in field of digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, renewable energy, and outer space.

•Promote direct connections between researchers, innovation hubs, and startups to foster concrete, results-oriented bilateral partnerships.(v) Industrial Partnerships in Strategic Areas

●In the face of trend of protectionism, both countries agreed further collaboration in following fields:(i) pharmaceutical industry

(ii) defence equipment

(iii) mining & minerals

(iv) oil & gas sector, including research, exploration, extraction, refining, and distribution.

●Further explanation ●Pharmaceutical sector

•A note was made of the increasing number of Indian pharmaceutical companies with operations in Brazil

•An encouragement of the establishment of partnerships with Brazilian health and pharmaceutical companies to assist in local production of essential medicines, including generic medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

•An exploration of joint research and development initiatives to develop new medicines, including for neglected and tropical diseases.

●Aviation Sector

•Discovering opportunities with renewed vigour in collaboration between Indian and Brazilian public and private sector companies.

●Defense Sector •Encouragement of defence industrial cooperation in new avenues. For example, prospects of enhanced cooperation in the domains of land systems, maritime assets and aerial capabilities.

●Critical Mineral Sector

•Joint collaboration between public and private companies of both countries

•Strengthen supply value chains and global competitiveness in the following:-mineral exploration- mining, beneficiation-processing, recycling, and refining of critical minerals.

•Taking aforementioned developments in order to secure economic, national security, and clean energy, for example, in fields of solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

●Oil and Gas Sector

•Joint projects in offshore fields

•Exploration of new avenues of collaboration, for example in abatement and carbon capture technologies.

●Commerce and investment •Expedition of enforcement of the Bilateral Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty, signed on 25 January 2020.

•Expeditious finalization of Protocol amending the Convention for Avoidance of Double Taxation, signed on 24 August 2022, to further encourage entrepreneurs to engage in bilateral business partnerships and joint ventures.

•MoU between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of India and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services of Brazil was signed.

•Appreciation of the recent opening of representative office of Exim Bank of India in Sao Paulo and of ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária – Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) in Delhi.

(vi) Others Areas of Bilateral Cooperation

●Cooperation in the areas of culture, health, sports, and traditional knowledge.

•Encourage the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme for the years 2025-2029, to support new cultural initiatives aimed at fostering a vibrant flow of ideas, arts, and traditions between both countries.

•Engage relevant government agencies in discussions on strategies for the competitive integration of emerging creative industries into international markets, thereby generating economic opportunities and expanding their global cultural reach.

●Educational Cooperation •Recalled that Indian students are eligible for Brazil’s Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students (PEC) and Brazilian students are eligible for scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

•Brazil´s participated in the 2025 Annual Conference of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE), the leading higher education event in the Asia-Pacific region, held in New Delhi.

•Encouragement of cooperation in training and capacity-building, including in defence training

●Signing of the following instruments during the State visit:

• Agreement on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime.

• Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information.

• MoU on Cooperation in Renewable Energy.

• MoU on Agricultural Research between EMBRAPA and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

• MoU on Cooperation for the Sharing of Successful Large-Scale Digital Solutions for Digital Transformation.

• MoU on Cooperation in the field of Intellectual Property between DPIIT of India and MDIC of BrazilThe leaders directed the relevant government bodies in each country to collaborate with a view to concluding the following bilateral instruments at the earliest opportunity:

• Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Civil Matters.

• MoU on Defense Industry Cooperation.

• MoU on Sports Cooperation.

• MoU on Archival Cooperation.

• Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) 2025–2029.

II• Analysis and deconstruction of the relationship shared between India and Brazil.

India and Brazil share a very close and multifaceted relationship both at bilateral level as well as in plurilateral fora such as BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, as well as in the larger multilateral bodies such as the UN, WTO, UNESCO, and WIPO. The two countries have been Strategic Partners since 2006. The bilateral relationship is based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth with social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Brazilian capital Brasília on Monday, marking the second leg of his visit to Brazil after concluding a “very productive” trip to Rio de Janeiro for the 17th BRICS Summit.Both countries have a shared similar past in the sense that both countries have past of being under colonial rule, and through struggle affirmed their sense of sovereignty. However, their bilateral relationship has not only seen a period of lull, but the stage of fruition has come rather late, in fact efforts saw results in the recent decades only. There are still multiple challenges that act as bottlenecks in the relationship, ranging from lack of connectivity as a consequence of long distance direct air and shipping routes which proves to quite economically cumbersome, and some cases unviable, to relatively still less interaction in terms of ranging from people to people interactions to those between both countries’ respective institutions across multiple sectors. This is a result of late realization of possible common ground of opportunities. The trade volume between India amd Brazil I relatively quite low. The measures suggested and decided upon during PM Modi’s visit to Brazil should be expedited in order to reap results. India still has to chart a concretized path through the maze created by US and China in that region. These measures will certainly aid India in creating a space of its own for taking advantage of natural and human resources in that region. Additionally, it will help in Overcoming the disconnect caused by distance in cultural interactions and language barrier.

Henceforth, the relationship between India and Brazil will rest on strengthened foundation of five pillars namely,

(i)Defense and security; (ii)Food and nutritional security;

(iii)Energy transition and climate change ;

(iv)Digital transformation and emerging technologies .

(v) Industrial Partnerships in Strategic Areas

At bilateral level on the global stage food security, energy security and defense cooperation and security are major areas of confluence for both the countries. In the face of protectionism and unilateral restrictions, both countries have become leading voices for promoting open, fair, transparent, inclusive, equitable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system. Similarly, from points of security, efforts ranging from coming together to disrupt terror financing through channels such as UN and FATF to reaffirmation of their commitment to a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories, with greater representation from developing countries from underrepresented regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and Africa and reiteration of their mutual support for the permanent membership of their countries in an expanded Security Council are noteworthy. In the present context, Brazil’s support of India’s stance of zero tolerance against terrorism in the wake of Pahalgam massacre also needs to be highlighted. Additionally, fields of pharmaceuticals, education, space, and IT are burgeoning market of opportunities for both the countries to take advantage of.

Sources

pib.gov.in

pmindia.gov.in

ddnews.gov.in