India-Brazil Strategic Partnership: A Comprehensive Analysis
India and Brazil, two of the world's largest emerging economies, share a robust and evolving strategic partnership that has strengthened significantly over the past two decades. Both countries, part of the BRICS alliance, play pivotal roles in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape of their respective regions. Their partnership is rooted in shared values of democracy, multilateralism, and a commitment to addressing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development. Over the years, India and Brazil have broadened the scope of their bilateral ties to include defense, technology, space exploration, and trade, creating a multifaceted relationship with tremendous potential for future collaboration.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the India-Brazil partnership, highlighting their progress over the last two decades, exploring new possibilities in defense, space, technology, and trade, and assessing their recent agreements and statistical data, including key developments in 2024.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the India-Brazil partnership, highlighting their progress over the last two decades, exploring new possibilities in defense, space, technology, and trade, and assessing their recent agreements and statistical data, including key developments in 2024.
India-Brazil Partnership Over the Last Two Decades
The diplomatic relationship between India and Brazil began to gain momentum at the turn of the 21st century. The convergence of their interests in global governance reform, economic growth, and sustainable development provided the foundation for bilateral cooperation. Both countries are key members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the IBSA (India, Brazil, and South Africa) Dialogue Forum, and the G20, showcasing their alignment on major global platforms.
Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
Economic and Trade Relations
Cultural and Educational Ties
Cultural ties between India and Brazil have also seen substantial growth. India's yoga, Bollywood, and cuisine have found enthusiastic audiences in Brazil, while Brazilian music, dance, and culture have made inroads into India. Educational exchanges have expanded, with Brazilian students increasingly choosing Indian universities for courses in medicine, IT, and engineering.
Science, Technology, and Space Cooperation
India and Brazil signed agreements to cooperate in space exploration and satellite development as early as 2004. Both nations have collaborated under initiatives such as the G20 Satellite Mission and have shared resources and expertise to promote advancements in space technologies.
New Possibilities in Defense, Space, Technology, and Trade
1. Defense Cooperation
The defense partnership between India and Brazil has gained significant traction in recent years, with the two countries exploring opportunities for joint military exercises, defense trade, and technological collaboration.
2. Space Cooperation
India and Brazil's partnership in space exploration reflects their shared commitment to technological advancement and scientific research. The success of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) has paved the way for collaborative missions.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil Mr. Marcos Pontes visited India from 23 February to 1 March 2021. During the visit, Minister Pontes witnessed the launch of Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. Amazonia-1 is the first Earth Observation satellite to be completely designed, integrated, tested and operated by Brazil. New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO has signed a launch service agreement for its launch on board PSLV as its primary payload. The satellite will provide remote sensing images to observe and monitor deforestation, especially in the Amazonia region, as well as monitor the diversified agriculture throughout the country.
3. Technology and Innovation
India and Brazil share significant potential for collaboration in technological innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
Bilateral trade between India and Brazil continues to grow, driven by strategic complementarities in exports and imports.
In 2021, India became the 5th largest trading partner of Brazil and the bilateral trade between India and Brazil increased by 63.5% to US$ 11.53 billion compared to US$ 7.052 billion in 2020. In 2022, the bilateral trade further expanded by 32% to US$15.2 billion (India’s exports- US$8.8 billion & Imports – US$6.4 billion). In 2023, India’s export was US$6.9 billion while India’s import was US$4.7 billion. Major Indian exports to Brazil includes processed Petroleum products, Agro-chemicals (insecticides, fungicides), Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering products, Textured filament yarn, and Unwrought Aluminum. Brazilian exports to India included Crude oil, soya oil, Gold (nonmonetary), cane sugar, cotton, gum, wood and turpentine oils, chemicals (carboxylic acids) and iron ore and concentrates.
Total Indian investment in Brazil is estimated at more than US$ 8 billion. Brazilian investments in India are around US$ 1 billion. Major Indian companies in Brazil are Glenmark, ZydusCadila, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Pidilite Industries Limited, ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), NMDC Limited, TVS, Tata Motors, Infosys and Wipro. Major Brazilian companies present in India are Polo (auto mobiles), Vale (mining), Stefanini (IT), Gerdau (Steel), WEG (Heavy Electrical motors/generators etc.), Compsis (Toll Road software system), Dedini (Ethanol production), Farmas Kunz (footwear), Perto (Fabrication of ATMs), Fanem (Hospital instrumentation).
5. Cooperation in, Agriculture, Food Processing and Animal Husbandry
Agriculture, food processing and animal husbandry are other key focus areas for bilateral cooperation. The cattle of Brazil and India share the same genetic heritage. Indian cattle like Gir and Kankrej, which were exported in early 20th century has been suitably modified to yield large quantities of milk. Both sides are working on training and capacity building including Technology Transfer. A three-member Indian delegation and a few members of Indian Cattle Breeders Association visited Brazil in April-May 2024 to attend the International Zebu Cattle Exhibition.
A Joint Declaration of Intent between Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, MoFAHD, India and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of the Federative, Brazil for Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was signed during Brazilian President’s visit in January, 2020. The 1st Joint Technical Committee Meeting on Animal products was held on 30 June 2023.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of India visited Brazil in May 2022 and held discussions with Mr. Marcos Montes Cordeiro, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply on further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit. Shri. Jai Parkash Dalal, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Animals Husbandry & Dairying Fisheries, Government of State of Haryana, India led a delegation to Brazil from 4 to 7 July 2022. He held discussions with Mr. Jean Marcel Fernandes, Secretary of Trade and International Relations, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Brazil on strengthening ties in the areas of dairy development and improvement of cattle breeds. A centre of excellence named ‘Project Dairy Gir and Zebu Advance Research Institution (ZARI)’ is being established in Amreli, Gujarat with the active support of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Mr. Carlos Fávaro, Brazilian Minister Agriculture and Livestock led a large business delegation to India to attend World Food India 2023 exhibition, and held fruitful meetings with with Mr. Pashupati Kumar Paras (Minister of Food Processing Industries), Ms. Shobha Karandlaje (Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare), and Mr. Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to promote bilateral trade and investment in agri-food sector.
Mr. Ramnath Thakur, MoS, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare visited Brazil to attend G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting held at Chapada dos Guimaraes in September 2024 and held bilateral meeting with the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture & Livestock.
6. Cultural Relations
·In Brazil, there is a lot of interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and philosophy. Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Satya Sai Baba, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Bhakti Vedanta Foundation and other spiritual gurus and organizations have chapters in Brazil. Folkloric traditions and celebrations from India relate a lot to the joyful and colorful festivities in Brazil. Indian philosophy, spirituality and religion were the first forms of Indian culture to reach Brazil. The first classical Indian art form to come to Brazil was Bharatanatyam, followed by Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi.
India’s first cultural centre in Latin America was opened in Sao Paulo in May 2011. ICCR has deputed a Teacher of Indian Culture at the Cultural centre in CGI Sao Paulo and the Embassy of India in Brasilia. A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the years 2020-2024 was signed during the State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India in January 2020.
Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. There are numerous organizations teaching Yoga all over Brazil. Regular Yoga classes are organised at the Embassy of India in Brazil since September 2017.
·Mahatma Gandhi is highly regarded in Brazil and the Government and NGOs are trying to inculcate the philosophy of non-violence among students, youth and police. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi have been installed in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Salvador, Londrina and Cuiaba. An organization called Filhos de Gandhy (Sons of Gandhi) is very popular in Salvador, Brazil and takes out street processions wearing Gandhian attire every year.
On 25 January 2020, the Government of India conferred Padma Shri to Prof Lia Diskin & Ms. Gloria Arieira, for their contribution in the fields of social work, and literature & education respectively. Globo Television, Brazil’s leading media group produced and aired a news special in 2019 titled “The Journey of Life: Ganges River”. The programme focuses on places that have played an important role on the development of human civilization. Prof. Dilip Loundo was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2023 for his contribution to promotion of Indian philosophy and traditions.
Indian cinema is also popular among the Brazilian people. Brazilian Post issued a commemorative stamp in May 2014 on “100 years of Indian Cinema”. Indian Film weeks organized by the Embassy and Consulate have received a good response.
Parliamentary Exchanges
Parliamentary exchanges is another major feature of India-Brazil bilateral relations. There are two India-Brazil Parliamentary Fora that are currently active in Brazil: (i) India-Brazil Parliamentary Friendship Group headed by Federal Deputy Vinicius Carvalho, and (ii) India-Brazil Friendship Front headed by Senator Nelson Trad. In India. There was an India-LAC Parliamentary Friendship Group during the 16th term of Lok Sabha. 14. The Brazilian Congress held a Special Session in commemoration of 75 years of India´s independence on 8th November 2022, which was addressed by Shri V. M. Muraleedharan, MoS for External and Parliamentary Affairs.
An Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Mr. Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal & Mines visited Brazil from 11 to 13 June 2023, and a Brazilian Parliamentary delegation visited India from 17-22 July 2023.
Recent Agreements in 2024
1. Social Security Agreement
The Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and Brazil came into effect on January 1, 2024. This agreement allows employees from both countries to contribute to social security in their home country for up to 60 months while working abroad. The SSA is a landmark development that will benefit professionals, particularly those working in IT, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, by avoiding double contributions and ensuring social security benefits.
2. Defense Cooperation and Akash Missile System
In March 2024, the first 2+2 Dialogue was held in New Delhi. During this meeting, defense cooperation emerged as a key agenda. Brazil expressed interest in acquiring India's Akash Missile System, a highly effective air defense system developed by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organisation). The Akash system can intercept multiple aerial targets, making it a valuable asset for Brazil's defense infrastructure.
3. Trade and Economic Partnership
India and Brazil have signed agreements to increase bilateral trade and investment in 2024, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Both countries aim to achieve bilateral trade worth $25 billion by 2025.
Statistical Data and Current Affairs
Conclusion
The India-Brazil strategic partnership has evolved into a comprehensive and dynamic relationship over the past two decades. The convergence of interests in defense, space, technology, and trade presents new opportunities for collaboration. Recent developments, including the Social Security Agreement and Brazil's interest in India's Akash Missile System, demonstrate the growing depth of their partnership.
As India and Brazil continue to work together on global platforms like BRICS, IBSA, and G20, their partnership will play a significant role in shaping a multipolar world order. By leveraging their strengths and exploring new avenues for cooperation, India and Brazil are poised to become key strategic partners in the 21st century.
The Indian community in Brazil is estimated to be around 4,000 people, with majority of them living in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. The community comprises primarily of professionals and businessmen, with some scientists/researchers also working in the fields of space, agriculture, physics and biotechnology. There is an Indian Association in Sao Paulo, which organizes events to celebrate national days and community festivals.
The diplomatic relationship between India and Brazil began to gain momentum at the turn of the 21st century. The convergence of their interests in global governance reform, economic growth, and sustainable development provided the foundation for bilateral cooperation. Both countries are key members of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the IBSA (India, Brazil, and South Africa) Dialogue Forum, and the G20, showcasing their alignment on major global platforms.
Political and Diplomatic Cooperation
- 2006: India and Brazil elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, reflecting their mutual desire to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation.
- 2008: The establishment of the Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) created a structured mechanism for regular political consultations.
- 2019: The visit of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to India led to the signing of key agreements in investment, trade, and energy, emphasizing the commitment to strengthen ties.
- BRICS and IBSA: Both platforms have facilitated regular dialogue between India and Brazil, providing opportunities to discuss economic, political, and social priorities.
Economic and Trade Relations
- Trade between India and Brazil has grown significantly, driven by their complementary economies. Brazil is India's largest trading partner in Latin America, while India has emerged as a significant market for Brazilian exports.
- Bilateral trade surpassed $15 billion in 2023, compared to a mere $2 billion in 2002, demonstrating exponential growth over the last two decades.
- India primarily exports pharmaceuticals, chemicals, cotton, ceramics, glass, and engineering goods, while Brazil's major exports include crude oil, sugar, soy, and meat products.
Cultural and Educational Ties
Cultural ties between India and Brazil have also seen substantial growth. India's yoga, Bollywood, and cuisine have found enthusiastic audiences in Brazil, while Brazilian music, dance, and culture have made inroads into India. Educational exchanges have expanded, with Brazilian students increasingly choosing Indian universities for courses in medicine, IT, and engineering.
Science, Technology, and Space Cooperation
India and Brazil signed agreements to cooperate in space exploration and satellite development as early as 2004. Both nations have collaborated under initiatives such as the G20 Satellite Mission and have shared resources and expertise to promote advancements in space technologies.
New Possibilities in Defense, Space, Technology, and Trade
1. Defense Cooperation
The defense partnership between India and Brazil has gained significant traction in recent years, with the two countries exploring opportunities for joint military exercises, defense trade, and technological collaboration.
- First 2+2 Dialogue (March 2024): The inaugural India-Brazil 2+2 dialogue held in New Delhi marked a milestone in bilateral defense relations. The dialogue involved meetings between the foreign and defense ministers of both countries, focusing on regional security, defense trade, and technological collaboration.
- Akash Missile System: The Brazilian Army has expressed interest in acquiring India's Akash Missile System, a state-of-the-art air defense system capable of intercepting multiple aerial targets. If finalized, this deal would represent a significant breakthrough in India's defense exports and strengthen Brazil's air defense capabilities.
- Defense Training and Joint Exercises: India and Brazil are exploring possibilities for conducting joint military exercises, fostering interoperability and mutual learning between their armed forces.
2. Space Cooperation
India and Brazil's partnership in space exploration reflects their shared commitment to technological advancement and scientific research. The success of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) and Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) has paved the way for collaborative missions.
- G20 Satellite Mission: Under the framework of the G20, India and Brazil are collaborating on a joint satellite mission aimed at addressing climate change, disaster management, and natural resource monitoring.
- Launch Services: India has offered its satellite launch capabilities to Brazil, leveraging ISRO's cost-effective and reliable launch systems.
- Technology Exchange: Both countries are working on knowledge-sharing agreements to advance research in satellite communications, remote sensing, and space exploration.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil Mr. Marcos Pontes visited India from 23 February to 1 March 2021. During the visit, Minister Pontes witnessed the launch of Brazilian satellite Amazonia-1 at Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota. Amazonia-1 is the first Earth Observation satellite to be completely designed, integrated, tested and operated by Brazil. New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO has signed a launch service agreement for its launch on board PSLV as its primary payload. The satellite will provide remote sensing images to observe and monitor deforestation, especially in the Amazonia region, as well as monitor the diversified agriculture throughout the country.
3. Technology and Innovation
India and Brazil share significant potential for collaboration in technological innovation, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
- AI and Digital Economy: Both nations are exploring avenues for joint research and investment in artificial intelligence and digital economy platforms to drive innovation and economic growth.
- Renewable Energy: India and Brazil, as major proponents of sustainable development, are working together to expand renewable energy initiatives, including solar, wind, and bioenergy projects.
- Pharmaceutical Collaboration: India's pharmaceutical industry, renowned for its affordable medicines and vaccines, has strengthened ties with Brazil to address healthcare challenges.
Bilateral trade between India and Brazil continues to grow, driven by strategic complementarities in exports and imports.
- India's Key Exports: Soaps, lubricants, glass, ceramic products, pharmaceuticals, and cotton.
- Brazil's Key Exports: Crude oil, sugar, sugarcane, soy, and soybean oil.
In 2021, India became the 5th largest trading partner of Brazil and the bilateral trade between India and Brazil increased by 63.5% to US$ 11.53 billion compared to US$ 7.052 billion in 2020. In 2022, the bilateral trade further expanded by 32% to US$15.2 billion (India’s exports- US$8.8 billion & Imports – US$6.4 billion). In 2023, India’s export was US$6.9 billion while India’s import was US$4.7 billion. Major Indian exports to Brazil includes processed Petroleum products, Agro-chemicals (insecticides, fungicides), Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, Engineering products, Textured filament yarn, and Unwrought Aluminum. Brazilian exports to India included Crude oil, soya oil, Gold (nonmonetary), cane sugar, cotton, gum, wood and turpentine oils, chemicals (carboxylic acids) and iron ore and concentrates.
Total Indian investment in Brazil is estimated at more than US$ 8 billion. Brazilian investments in India are around US$ 1 billion. Major Indian companies in Brazil are Glenmark, ZydusCadila, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Pidilite Industries Limited, ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL), NMDC Limited, TVS, Tata Motors, Infosys and Wipro. Major Brazilian companies present in India are Polo (auto mobiles), Vale (mining), Stefanini (IT), Gerdau (Steel), WEG (Heavy Electrical motors/generators etc.), Compsis (Toll Road software system), Dedini (Ethanol production), Farmas Kunz (footwear), Perto (Fabrication of ATMs), Fanem (Hospital instrumentation).
5. Cooperation in, Agriculture, Food Processing and Animal Husbandry
Agriculture, food processing and animal husbandry are other key focus areas for bilateral cooperation. The cattle of Brazil and India share the same genetic heritage. Indian cattle like Gir and Kankrej, which were exported in early 20th century has been suitably modified to yield large quantities of milk. Both sides are working on training and capacity building including Technology Transfer. A three-member Indian delegation and a few members of Indian Cattle Breeders Association visited Brazil in April-May 2024 to attend the International Zebu Cattle Exhibition.
A Joint Declaration of Intent between Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, MoFAHD, India and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of the Federative, Brazil for Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying was signed during Brazilian President’s visit in January, 2020. The 1st Joint Technical Committee Meeting on Animal products was held on 30 June 2023.
Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of India visited Brazil in May 2022 and held discussions with Mr. Marcos Montes Cordeiro, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply on further strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit. Shri. Jai Parkash Dalal, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Animals Husbandry & Dairying Fisheries, Government of State of Haryana, India led a delegation to Brazil from 4 to 7 July 2022. He held discussions with Mr. Jean Marcel Fernandes, Secretary of Trade and International Relations, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply of Brazil on strengthening ties in the areas of dairy development and improvement of cattle breeds. A centre of excellence named ‘Project Dairy Gir and Zebu Advance Research Institution (ZARI)’ is being established in Amreli, Gujarat with the active support of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
Mr. Carlos Fávaro, Brazilian Minister Agriculture and Livestock led a large business delegation to India to attend World Food India 2023 exhibition, and held fruitful meetings with with Mr. Pashupati Kumar Paras (Minister of Food Processing Industries), Ms. Shobha Karandlaje (Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare), and Mr. Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Animal Husbandry and Dairying to promote bilateral trade and investment in agri-food sector.
Mr. Ramnath Thakur, MoS, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare visited Brazil to attend G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting held at Chapada dos Guimaraes in September 2024 and held bilateral meeting with the Brazilian Minister of Agriculture & Livestock.
6. Cultural Relations
·In Brazil, there is a lot of interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and philosophy. Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Satya Sai Baba, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Bhakti Vedanta Foundation and other spiritual gurus and organizations have chapters in Brazil. Folkloric traditions and celebrations from India relate a lot to the joyful and colorful festivities in Brazil. Indian philosophy, spirituality and religion were the first forms of Indian culture to reach Brazil. The first classical Indian art form to come to Brazil was Bharatanatyam, followed by Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi.
India’s first cultural centre in Latin America was opened in Sao Paulo in May 2011. ICCR has deputed a Teacher of Indian Culture at the Cultural centre in CGI Sao Paulo and the Embassy of India in Brasilia. A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the years 2020-2024 was signed during the State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India in January 2020.
Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. There are numerous organizations teaching Yoga all over Brazil. Regular Yoga classes are organised at the Embassy of India in Brazil since September 2017.
·Mahatma Gandhi is highly regarded in Brazil and the Government and NGOs are trying to inculcate the philosophy of non-violence among students, youth and police. Statues of Mahatma Gandhi have been installed in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Salvador, Londrina and Cuiaba. An organization called Filhos de Gandhy (Sons of Gandhi) is very popular in Salvador, Brazil and takes out street processions wearing Gandhian attire every year.
On 25 January 2020, the Government of India conferred Padma Shri to Prof Lia Diskin & Ms. Gloria Arieira, for their contribution in the fields of social work, and literature & education respectively. Globo Television, Brazil’s leading media group produced and aired a news special in 2019 titled “The Journey of Life: Ganges River”. The programme focuses on places that have played an important role on the development of human civilization. Prof. Dilip Loundo was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards in 2023 for his contribution to promotion of Indian philosophy and traditions.
Indian cinema is also popular among the Brazilian people. Brazilian Post issued a commemorative stamp in May 2014 on “100 years of Indian Cinema”. Indian Film weeks organized by the Embassy and Consulate have received a good response.
Parliamentary Exchanges
Parliamentary exchanges is another major feature of India-Brazil bilateral relations. There are two India-Brazil Parliamentary Fora that are currently active in Brazil: (i) India-Brazil Parliamentary Friendship Group headed by Federal Deputy Vinicius Carvalho, and (ii) India-Brazil Friendship Front headed by Senator Nelson Trad. In India. There was an India-LAC Parliamentary Friendship Group during the 16th term of Lok Sabha. 14. The Brazilian Congress held a Special Session in commemoration of 75 years of India´s independence on 8th November 2022, which was addressed by Shri V. M. Muraleedharan, MoS for External and Parliamentary Affairs.
An Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Mr. Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Coal & Mines visited Brazil from 11 to 13 June 2023, and a Brazilian Parliamentary delegation visited India from 17-22 July 2023.
Recent Agreements in 2024
1. Social Security Agreement
The Social Security Agreement (SSA) between India and Brazil came into effect on January 1, 2024. This agreement allows employees from both countries to contribute to social security in their home country for up to 60 months while working abroad. The SSA is a landmark development that will benefit professionals, particularly those working in IT, healthcare, and manufacturing industries, by avoiding double contributions and ensuring social security benefits.
2. Defense Cooperation and Akash Missile System
In March 2024, the first 2+2 Dialogue was held in New Delhi. During this meeting, defense cooperation emerged as a key agenda. Brazil expressed interest in acquiring India's Akash Missile System, a highly effective air defense system developed by DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organisation). The Akash system can intercept multiple aerial targets, making it a valuable asset for Brazil's defense infrastructure.
3. Trade and Economic Partnership
India and Brazil have signed agreements to increase bilateral trade and investment in 2024, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology. Both countries aim to achieve bilateral trade worth $25 billion by 2025.
Statistical Data and Current Affairs
- Bilateral Trade Volume (2023): $15 billion
- Projected Trade Volume (2025): $25 billion
- India's Exports to Brazil: Soaps, lubricants, glass, cotton, and pharmaceuticals.
- Brazil's Exports to India: Crude oil, sugar, soy, and meat products.
- Defense Dialogue: First 2+2 Dialogue held in March 2024.
- Space Cooperation: G20 Satellite Mission under joint collaboration.
Conclusion
The India-Brazil strategic partnership has evolved into a comprehensive and dynamic relationship over the past two decades. The convergence of interests in defense, space, technology, and trade presents new opportunities for collaboration. Recent developments, including the Social Security Agreement and Brazil's interest in India's Akash Missile System, demonstrate the growing depth of their partnership.
As India and Brazil continue to work together on global platforms like BRICS, IBSA, and G20, their partnership will play a significant role in shaping a multipolar world order. By leveraging their strengths and exploring new avenues for cooperation, India and Brazil are poised to become key strategic partners in the 21st century.
The Indian community in Brazil is estimated to be around 4,000 people, with majority of them living in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. The community comprises primarily of professionals and businessmen, with some scientists/researchers also working in the fields of space, agriculture, physics and biotechnology. There is an Indian Association in Sao Paulo, which organizes events to celebrate national days and community festivals.
You May Also Interested