New Delhi, February 21, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level bilateral meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at Hyderabad House on Saturday, marking a significant boost to India-Brazil strategic and economic ties. The discussion was attended by senior ministers and officials from both sides, including Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, along with a large delegation of Brazilian ministers and top business leaders.
AI Summit Gains Prestige with Lula’s Visit
At a joint press conference following the meeting, PM Modi said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome President Lula and his delegation to India. Just as I was warmly received in Brazil last year, we extend the same cordiality here. President Lula’s visionary and inspiring leadership has long benefited India-Brazil relations. His visit adds prestige to the historic AI Summit and injects new energy into our strategic partnership.”
Brazil: India’s Largest Partner in Latin America
PM Modi emphasized, “Brazil is India’s largest trading partner in Latin America. We are committed to taking bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in the next five years. Trade is more than a number; it reflects trust. The large business delegation accompanying the President underscores this confidence. Expanding the India-Mercosur trade agreement will further strengthen our economic collaboration. Our cooperation in technology and innovation is vital not only for both nations but for the Global South as a whole.”
Key Areas of Cooperation
PM Modi highlighted growing collaboration in digital public infrastructure, AI, supercomputing, semiconductors, and blockchain, stating, “Technology should be inclusive, creating bridges for shared progress.”
He also underscored energy cooperation, noting, “Energy has always been a strong pillar of our relationship. Alongside hydrocarbons, we are expanding collaboration in renewable energy, ethanol blending, and sustainable aviation fuel. Brazil’s active participation in the Global Biofuel Alliance reflects our shared commitment to a green future. The proposal by Brazil to co-chair the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is commendable, and Brazil’s expertise will greatly strengthen this initiative.”
Lula Calls the Partnership a “Digital and Renewable Energy Superpower Meeting”
President Lula remarked, “It is a pleasure to return to India for the sixth time. Our meeting has been excellent. We are not only the two largest democracies of the Global South but also a digital superpower and a renewable energy superpower. Despite our differences, we are cultural hubs committed to multilateralism and peace.”
Diplomatic Engagements
President Lula’s state visit, from February 18–22, included participation in the India AI Impact Summit 2026 and a state dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu. Earlier, Lula met with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and Brazilian Ambassador Mauro Vieira to discuss deepening India-Brazil strategic partnership, sharing photos and updates on social media.
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