New Delhi, Feb 21 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s visit had injected fresh momentum into the India-Brazil strategic partnership, with both sides committing to expand bilateral trade beyond USD 20 billion over the next five years.
“President Lula’s visit has infused new energy into our strategic partnership,” Modi said at a joint press conference. “Brazil is India’s largest trade partner in Latin America. We are committed to taking our bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in the next five years. Our trade is not merely a number; it is a reflection of trust.”
Modi said the large business delegation accompanying Lula reflected growing confidence in the relationship and added that expanding the India–MERCOSUR trade agreement would further strengthen economic cooperation.
“In the field of technology and innovation, our collaboration holds importance not only for our two countries but also for the entire Global South,” he said.
The prime minister said both countries are working to establish a Centre of Excellence for digital public infrastructure in Brazil.
He also welcomed Brazil’s proposal to co-chair the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). “I congratulate President Lula on this initiative,” Modi said.
Welcoming Lula and his delegation, Modi said he deeply appreciated the warmth extended to him during his visit to Brazil last year and described Lula’s leadership as instrumental in strengthening bilateral ties.
Following the talks at Hyderabad House, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of several memoranda of understanding between the two countries.
” India–Brazil relations have long benefited from President Lula’s vision and leadership. In recent years, I have had the opportunity to meet him several times, and during each meeting, I have felt his deep friendship and trust towards India,” PM Modi said.
