Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in New Delhi Wednesday leading a major trade and ministerial delegation for talks with Indian leaders. The visit matters as both nations seek stronger economic and strategic ties amid global market uncertainty. Millions of businesses and consumers in both countries stand to benefit from expanded trade, investment, and technology cooperation.
Lula, accompanied by more than a dozen ministers and top Brazilian business chiefs, will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to advance bilateral relations. India is Brazil’s biggest market in Latin America, with trade exceeding $12 billion in 2024, and both countries are exploring ways to broaden that exchange. The agenda includes rare earths, which Brazil hopes to export as a global alternative to China’s dominance, and cooperation in artificial intelligence.
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Before the bilateral talks, Lula will take part in a global artificial intelligence summit Thursday in New Delhi, where he is expected to call for better regulation to counter AI-driven misinformation. The summit provides a platform for both countries to discuss ethical technology use and common digital strategies. Lula’s engagement on AI underscores Brazil’s interest in shaping international technology norms.
The visit follows Modi’s July 2025 trip to Brasilia, the first Indian prime ministerial visit there in nearly six decades. Since then, business deals such as January’s pact between India’s Adani Group and Brazil’s Embraer have strengthened commercial links. Both leaders previously condemned punitive U.S. tariffs, advocating multilateral trade and Global South partnerships that support economic growth.
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India currently holds the presidency of the BRICS bloc, taking over from Brasilia, adding strategic importance to the discussions amid shifting global tariff policies. Washington recently agreed to cut tariffs on Indian goods, easing pressure on exporters. Brazil sees India as an under‑tapped market for cotton, seeds, soybean oil, teak, and minerals, indicating future growth potential.