Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met with Brazil President Inacio Lula da Silva on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in South Africa’s Johannesburg, highlighting the continuous momentum in India-Brazil ties.

“It is always a delight to meet President Lula. India and Brazil will continue to work closely to boost trade and cultural linkages for the benefit of our people,” PM Modi posted on X, sharing photographs of their interaction.

Prime Minister Modi and President Lula have repeatedly reaffirmed the momentum generated during PM Modi’s visit to Brazil earlier this year, underscoring their shared commitment to deepening the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

Recent High-Level Engagements Strengthen Cooperation

The leaders last met in Brasília during PM Modi’s State Visit to Brazil in July, following his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

During that landmark visit, Brazil conferred its highest civilian honour — the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross — on Prime Minister Modi, marking the 26th international honour awarded to him.

India and Brazil had also agreed upon a comprehensive framework to boost cooperation in sectors such as trade, technology, defence, energy, agriculture, health, and people-to-people connections.

Both sides continue to emphasise a “people-centric” approach to drive India-Brazil collaboration, positioning the two nations as key anchors for partnership within the Global South.

Shared Vision for Global Governance and South-South Cooperation

India and Brazil play influential roles in multilateral platforms including BRICS, the G20, and the United Nations. Their strategic alignment carries implications beyond bilateral ties, contributing to global governance reforms, climate action, and equitable development.

President Lula has consistently championed South-South solidarity and expressed interest in leveraging Brazil’s agricultural and technological strengths for mutual growth. India, in turn, sees Brazil as a crucial partner in diversifying energy sources, enhancing defence cooperation, and advancing inclusive health initiatives.

Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Celso Luis Nunes Amorim, Special Advisor to the Brazilian President, in New Delhi to explore avenues for deeper strategic cooperation. Following the meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, noting a “useful exchange on the current global scenario and opportunities for deepening our strategic cooperation.”