NEW DELHI — Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stepped into Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday for a ceremonial welcome hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. The guard of honor underscored the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Earlier that day, Lula cut the ribbon on the first Indian office of Brazil’s Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, known as Apex, in New Delhi. In a post on X, he highlighted the office’s role in boosting Brazilian products and services overseas while drawing foreign investment into key sectors of Brazil’s economy.

“Brazil and India stand as two of the largest nations in the Global South,” Lula wrote. “Our trade reached $15.2 billion in 2025, leaving vast potential for expansion.”

Brazil’s ambassador to India, Kenneth da Nobrega, praised the Indian government’s organization of the AI Impact Summit 2026. Speaking to reporters, he described the personal bond between Lula and Modi. “They share excellent chemistry—not just as colleagues, but as friends,” da Nobrega said. “This visit elevates bilateral relations to a historic level.”

Da Nobrega called the summit a landmark for the Global South. “Prime Minister Modi is working to bring the Global South into this significant wave of AI technology,” he said. On India’s rising profile, the ambassador added, “India is emerging as a major hub for AI.”

The delegation accompanying Lula stands out for its size. More than 11 cabinet ministers and over 300 business leaders, including 50 CEOs, traveled with him. These executives plan to join a business forum during the visit, aiming to forge new commercial links.

Lula’s trip reciprocates Prime Minister Modi’s July 2025 journey to Brasilia—the first by an Indian prime minister in over 50 years. That exchange laid groundwork for deeper collaboration across trade, technology, and diplomacy.

Officials anticipate discussions will cover energy, defense, and digital innovation. The leaders’ meetings come amid Brazil’s push to expand markets in Asia and India’s focus on partnerships with fellow BRICS members. Trade data shows balanced flows, with Brazil exporting commodities like soybeans and iron ore, while India sends pharmaceuticals and machinery.

Da Nobrega emphasized the delegation’s composition as a signal of commitment. “This is the largest group we’ve ever sent to India,” he noted. Business leaders represent giants in agribusiness, aviation, and tech, eyeing joint ventures.

The state visit, spanning several days, includes a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan and bilateral talks at Hyderabad House. Expectations run high for agreements on agriculture, renewable energy, and space cooperation. Both sides view the partnership as vital for Global South leadership on climate and development.

Friday’s events set an upbeat tone. As Lula and Modi reviewed the honor guard under clear Delhi skies, onlookers noted the warmth in their exchange—a rapport da Nobrega credits for accelerating deals.