Brazilians like Indians: Lula eyes alliance with New Delhi to boost both economies

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he plans to form a "strategic alliance" with India to boost political, economic, and technological cooperation between the two countries. He made the announcement in a video message posted on X on Saturday, shortly after Vice President Geraldo Alckmin’s visit to New Delhi.

In his message, President Lula praised India’s potential and called it an "exceptional partner" for Brazil’s future growth. "The visit of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to India, in preparation for my trip early next year, is very important because India has an exceptional market. We can have a fantastic alliance with India -- political, space, entrepreneurial, and economic," he said as quoted by ANI.

The renewed focus on India-Brazil ties comes amid rising global trade tensions. In August, US President Donald Trump announced 50 per cent tariffs on several Brazilian goods, already facing a 26.4 per cent levy, while also imposing similar duties on Indian exports.

Lula added that both nations share mutual respect and goodwill. "The Indians like Brazil, and Brazilians like Indians. Therefore, we will create a strategic alliance with India and develop both the Brazilian and Indian economies," he said.

Lula is set to visit India in early 2026, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Modi-Lula summit in July, which set a roadmap for stronger cooperation in trade, defence, and technology.

ALCKMIN’S VISIT LAYS GROUNDWORK FOR DEEPER TIES

According to Lula, Alckmin’s visit focused on strengthening business relations and exploring opportunities for Brazilian companies interested in entering the Indian market. "Geraldo Alckmin is a vice president who only brings me good news. He returned from India with many updates -- Embraer opening an office there, electronic visas to facilitate business, and new partnerships," Lula said.

Alckmin, during his meetings in India, stressed that Brazil and India’s economic relationship is complementary rather than competitive.

"Independent of the American question, we are talking about two countries, two democracies, two countries that defend multilateralism -- both Brazil and India have everything to make trade grow and to make more investments grow," he said.

Alckmin pointed out that India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, expanding at around 7 per cent annually, while Brazil’s agricultural output this year has grown by 16 per cent, offering scope for collaboration in technology, industry, mining, and agriculture.

INDIA-BRAZIL TRADE REACHES NEW HIGHS

Economic engagement between India and Brazil has steadily grown in recent years. During Modi’s visit to Brazil in July, both leaders agreed to raise bilateral trade to USD 20 billion within five years.

According to India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries stood at USD 12.19 billion in FY 2024–25, making Brazil India’s largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean.

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With inputs from agenices