As two of the world’s largest democracies and dynamic economies, India and Brazil cannot remain distant: President Lula

Brazil and India aim to strengthen ties and expand trade, tapping into their potential as major democracies and economies.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, on a four-day visit to New Delhi with the largest-ever Brazilian delegation, has said that ties between Brazil and India are poised for a decisive expansion. In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, President Lula emphasised that “as two of the world’s largest democracies and dynamic economies, India and Brazil cannot remain distant”.

On trade, Mr. Lula acknowledged that bilateral commerce, though at a record high in 2025, remains far below potential at around $15 billion. The visit aims to significantly expand trade flows, with agreements expected in critical minerals — the first of their kind for Brazil — and small and medium enterprises, a key employment generator. Mr. Lula also highlighted the Brazil-India Business Forum in New Delhi, which will bring together 600 private sector representatives, arguing that business partnerships will convert political goodwill into “shared prosperity.”

India, the Brazilian leader told The Hindu, is central to Brazil’s long-term economic diversification strategy. “The answer to trade wars is more international trade,” Mr. Lula said, calling for expanded Mercosur-India ties.

Responding to a question on artificial intelligence, Mr. Lula warned against “digital colonialism”. AI, he said, must not become the preserve of a few nations or billionaires. Brazil and India should champion an “emancipatory” AI that reflects the Global South, promotes inclusion and is governed multilaterally.

Looking ahead to India’s BRICS presidency in 2026, Mr. Lula expressed confidence that New Delhi would advance reforms in global governance. He described multilateralism as facing unprecedented strain, with the UN Security Council in urgent need of reform. Brazil and India, he argued, deserve permanent seats, alongside African nations, to reflect 21st-century realities.

At a time of geopolitical flux, Brazil and India are natural partners and they can translate their long-recognised potential into concrete strategic alignment, Mr. Lula said in the interview.