New Delhi, February 21: Brazilian President Lula da Silva expressed strong optimism regarding India’s potential, stating that Brazil and India will become even stronger through collaboration. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he highlighted India’s growing stature and influence on the global stage, while also referencing the recent Kashmir attack.
President Lula, sharing his joy about visiting India, remarked, “My dear friend Modi, it brings me great happiness to return to this country for the sixth time. The meeting between India and Brazil was excellent. This was not just a meeting of the two largest democracies of the Global South; it was a gathering of a digital superpower and a renewable energy superpower. We both advocate for peace and multilateralism.”
He further emphasized, “This demonstrates that synergy and mutual trust bind us together. A few months ago, in July last year, I had the opportunity to host my friend Modi in Brasilia. That visit was a milestone. At that time, we expanded bilateral agreements in five areas, including defense, food, energy, digital transformation, and industrial partnerships.”
Lula noted that both India and Brazil are large, diverse countries and major cultural hubs, united in their support for peace.
In his address, President Lula stressed the importance of the voices of India and Brazil, especially in the context of changing geopolitics. He stated, “In a tumultuous global environment, our countries need to strengthen and deepen our strategic dialogue. India and Brazil are significant voices in the UN, and partners in the WTO and G20, working towards a multilateral governance that is just, peaceful, and governed by international law.”
Referencing comments made by Prime Minister Modi during the BRICS summit, Lula said, “Prime Minister Modi and I had an extensive discussion on how we can remain committed to the path of peace. As Modi stated in Rio de Janeiro at the BRICS summit, it is impossible to run 21st-century software on a 20th-century typewriter. We are committed to UN reforms, particularly for the Security Council, to ensure that it represents the interests of the Global South, and Brazil and India are natural candidates for this.”
Regarding permanent membership in the UN, Lula mentioned, “For over 20 years, Brazil, India, Japan, and Germany have formed a group called G4, advocating for an expansion of the UN Security Council, which has yet to happen but will soon be necessary as the UN requires more representation. We will continue to fight for greater representation of more countries in the UN, including Brazil and India as permanent members; increasing the categories of permanent and temporary members is essential amidst numerous global challenges.”
On the recent Pahalgam attack, Lula condemned the violence, stating, “Brazil has always denounced the attacks in Kashmir. Terrorism is not linked to any religion or nationality. These are separate issues and should not be used as a pretext for interference under international law. I reiterate to Prime Minister Modi that Brazil is firmly committed to maintaining peace in South America.”
Concluding his remarks, President Lula expressed his hopes for the future, stating, “Brazil has high expectations for India. If we work together, the India-Brazil relationship will strengthen further. Together, we will also empower the Global South, ensuring that the world never faces a new Cold War between two major powers.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi met with Lula at Hyderabad House in the national capital. The two governments signed three MOUs, including a joint declaration on future digital partnerships, cooperation in rare earth and critical minerals, and collaboration in the mining sector within the steel supply chain. India and Brazil also aim to increase bilateral trade to over $20 billion in the next five years.
President Lula, on his official visit to India, received a formal welcome at the forecourt of the Presidential Palace, where he was honored with a guard of honor. PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu welcomed him.
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