New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India on Saturday, hailing his leadership in strengthening ties between the two nations. The leaders held delegation-level talks before a joint news conference where Modi outlined ambitious goals for economic cooperation.

“Brazil is India’s largest trading partner in Latin America,” Modi said. “We are committed to taking bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in the next five years.” He described the trade target as more than a number, calling it a symbol of mutual trust. A large Brazilian business delegation accompanying Lula underscored that confidence, Modi added.

Modi thanked Lula for attending the Global AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. The visit infused fresh momentum into the strategic partnership, he said. “India-Brazil relations have long benefited from President Lula’s vision,” Modi noted. The two leaders have met several times in recent years, building on personal rapport.

Economic ties stand to grow further with the expansion of the India-Mercosur trade agreement, according to Modi. Cooperation in technology and innovation will benefit both countries and the Global South, he said. Plans include establishing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil. Priorities also cover artificial intelligence, supercomputers, semiconductors and blockchain. “Technology must be inclusive,” Modi stressed, “serving as a bridge for shared progress.”

Energy forms another key pillar. Beyond hydrocarbons, the nations aim to speed up work in renewable energy, ethanol blending and sustainable aviation fuel. Brazil’s role in the Global Biofuel Alliance highlights their joint push for sustainability. Lula proposed that Brazil co-chair the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, an idea Modi praised. “Brazil’s experience will strengthen the CDRI,” he said.

The talks drew top Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Lula’s state visit began with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Modi received him there. A Guard of Honour followed. Lula later paid respects at Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat.

This trip reciprocates Modi’s July 2025 visit to Brasilia, the first by an Indian prime minister in over 50 years. Lula arrived with CEOs from major Brazilian firms. They plan to join a Business Forum during the visit.

India and Brazil, both BRICS members, have deepened coordination on global issues. Their partnership spans trade, defense and climate action. Saturday’s agreements signal accelerated momentum across sectors.