Historic Meeting: PM Modi and President Lula da Silva Join Forces in Delhi to Strengthen Global Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in New Delhi on Saturday, aimed at boosting cooperation on critical minerals and rare earth elements. This meeting occurs amidst India’s efforts to diminish its reliance on China, which currently dominates the rare earths market. With ambitions to ramp up domestic production and recycling while seeking new suppliers, the engagement with Brazil underscores a strategic pivot in India’s mineral sourcing.
Brazil holds the world’s second-largest reserves of critical minerals, essential for a range of advanced technologies including electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, jet engines, and guided missiles. President Lula, who arrived in India on Wednesday, leads a robust delegation of ministers and business executives at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, taking place at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20. The agenda for the Modi-Lula meeting includes signing a memorandum focused on critical minerals and enhancing trade ties between the two nations.
Notably, the two countries are expected to ink a significant agreement between Embraer and Adani Defense & Aerospace to establish an E175 aircraft assembly line in India, highlighting the growing commercial collaboration. A spokesperson from the Ministry of External Affairs indicated that the leaders would also assess the breadth of bilateral relations, discussing regional and global challenges, collaboration in multilateral forums, and issues pertinent to the Global South. PM Modi is scheduled to host a luncheon in honor of President Lula, further emphasizing the diplomatic warmth between the two nations.
Accompanying Lula are around 14 ministers and a delegation of leading Brazilian CEOs. These ministers will engage in discussions with their Indian counterparts, while business leaders will participate in a Business Forum, showcasing the increasing trade and economic partnership between India and Brazil. This marks President Lula’s second visit to India, following his attendance at the G20 Summit in 2023 and meetings on the sidelines of significant international gatherings, including the G7 in Canada.
The Economic relationship between India and Brazil has evolved steadily since they became Strategic Partners in 2006, anchored in shared democratic values and strong people-to-people connections. With both nations targeting a bilateral trade goal of $20 billion by 2030, recent figures show trade crossed the $15 billion threshold in 2025. India has become the 10th-largest destination for Brazilian exports, which include essential commodities such as sugar, crude oil, vegetable oils, cotton, and iron ore. The latter’s demand has surged due to India’s rapid industrial growth and infrastructure development, edging the country closer to becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between Modi and Lula represents not just a diplomatic engagement, but a strategic alignment aimed at reshaping mineral supply chains and enhancing trade prospects. As India continues its journey towards economic self-reliance, partnerships with resource-rich countries like Brazil will be crucial in this quest.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/narendra-modi-lula-da-silva-meeting-key-agenda-india-brazil-ties-bilateral-trade-11771640436607.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-21 09:18:00
