Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will visit India next week to participate in the AI Impact Summit and hold bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with a focus on strengthening defence and trade ties amid shifting global dynamics.
Lula’s visit, scheduled from February 18 at Modi’s invitation, comes as both countries seek to deepen cooperation and reinforce calls for greater multipolarity in global governance. The Brazilian leader had indicated his intention to travel to New Delhi last year, emphasising the need to expand economic partnerships with countries such as India following heightened global trade tensions and tariff disputes.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Lula will attend the AI Impact Summit on February 19–20 and hold a bilateral meeting with Modi on February 21. He is also set to meet President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
“The leaders will review bilateral relations and exchange views on regional and global issues, including cooperation in multilateral forums, reformed multilateralism, global governance, and issues concerning the Global South,” the MEA said.
The ministry described the visit as an opportunity to “chart a forward-looking agenda” for further strengthening the India–Brazil strategic partnership across bilateral, regional, and global platforms.
Large Delegation, Business Focus
Lula is expected to be accompanied by 14 ministers and a high-level delegation of Brazilian business leaders. The visiting ministers will engage with their Indian counterparts, while Brazilian CEOs are slated to participate in a business forum aimed at boosting commercial engagement.
Brazil remains India’s largest trading partner in Latin America. Bilateral trade grew by more than 25% in 2025, reaching $15.21 billion, up from $12.2 billion in 2024. Indian exports stood at $8.35 billion, while imports from Brazil were valued at $6.85 billion.
Expanding Defence Cooperation
Defence collaboration has emerged as a key pillar of the partnership. In December, the Brazilian Navy, the Indian Navy, and Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd signed an agreement covering the maintenance of Scorpene submarines and other naval platforms operated by both countries.
Officials have also highlighted growing cooperation in technology, innovation, health, pharmaceuticals, energy, rare earth materials, digital public infrastructure (DPI), artificial intelligence, and space.
Strategic Significance of the Visit
Sources familiar with the matter noted that Lula’s visit carries added significance as he is unlikely to return to India for the BRICS Summit later this year, given Brazil’s domestic political calendar and preparations for upcoming elections.
This will mark Lula’s sixth visit to India. His first trip was in 2004, when he attended Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. Prime Minister Modi travelled to Brazil in July 2025, the first state visit by an Indian prime minister to the country in nearly six decades.
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