Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in a bilateral meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted India’s exemplary leadership during its G20 Presidency in 2023, noting how many of the initiatives and strategies adopted by Brazil for this year’s G20 Summit were inspired by India’s highly successful hosting of the global forum. This acknowledgment from President Lula not only reflects the growing diplomatic relations between India and Brazil but also signifies a deeper collaboration in shaping global governance and addressing pressing international issues.
In a social media post following the meeting, PM Modi shared his appreciation for the constructive discussions he had with President Lula. He stated, “Held talks with President Lula during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Complimented him on various efforts of Brazil during their G20 Presidency. We took stock of the full range of bilateral ties between our nations and reaffirmed our commitment to improving cooperation in sectors like energy, biofuels, defence, agriculture, and more.” The post, accompanied by an image of the two leaders embracing, reflected the warm camaraderie and mutual respect between the two leaders, underscoring the strengthened ties between India and Brazil.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brazil came shortly after a productive trip to Nigeria, where he engaged in important bilateral talks. Upon his arrival in Rio de Janeiro, Modi was greeted by the Indian community, who welcomed him with heartfelt Sanskrit chants, an indication of the cultural and diplomatic ties that India shares with Brazil. This is PM Modi’s third visit to Brazil, having previously attended the BRICS Summits in 2014 and 2019. His continued visits to Brazil highlight the strengthening of Indo-Brazilian relations over the years, particularly in areas like trade, investment, and energy cooperation.
India's G20 Presidency in 2023 was a milestone for global diplomacy, particularly for the way it facilitated discussions on urgent issues like climate change, sustainable development, and global security. During the summit in New Delhi, India also played a pivotal role in driving consensus among world leaders regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, resulting in a unanimous stance on the need for peaceful negotiations as reflected in the New Delhi Declaration. This diplomatic achievement set a high standard for the G20 presidency, which Brazil is now building upon.
The theme of the 2023 G20 Summit under India’s leadership, "One Earth, One Family, One Future," focused on fostering global cooperation to address common challenges, particularly in the face of environmental and socio-economic crises. This vision resonates deeply with the theme of the 2024 G20 Summit under Brazil’s leadership, which is centered on "Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet." Brazil’s emphasis on social inclusion, poverty reduction, sustainable development, and reforms in global governance aligns closely with the values that India emphasized during its G20 year. PM Modi, while discussing the summit's agenda in a pre-departure statement from Nigeria, said, "This year, Brazil has built upon India’s legacy. I look forward to meaningful discussions in keeping with our vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’ I will also use the opportunity to exchange views on furthering bilateral cooperation with several other leaders."
Modi’s participation in the Brazil G20 Summit comes at a crucial time when the international community is grappling with various geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges. The bilateral cooperation between India and Brazil is becoming increasingly significant, especially as both countries play pivotal roles in the Global South and in multilateral organizations like BRICS and the G20. Brazil and India share common interests in promoting a more inclusive and sustainable global order, and their collaboration is expected to deepen in the coming years.
Following his participation in the Brazil G20 Summit, PM Modi will travel to Guyana, where he is set to become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in over five decades. His visit, which will take place from November 19 to 21, is expected to further strengthen India-Guyana ties and open new avenues for cooperation in sectors like energy, agriculture, and trade. Guyana, with its rapidly growing economy and strategic location in South America, is seen as an important partner for India in the region. Modi's visit underscores India’s commitment to engaging with countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, and further solidifies its role as a leading player in global diplomacy.
This multi-country tour by PM Modi highlights India’s increasing footprint in international affairs, reinforcing its position as a key player in shaping global discussions on sustainable development, trade, and security. With Brazil and Guyana both playing crucial roles in the global south, Modi’s engagements with their leadership are expected to lay the groundwork for enhanced cooperation between India and Latin American countries in the years to come.
