India-Brazil Relations
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brazil in July 2025 to attend the BRICS summit. This marked the first Indian PM state visit to Brazil in nearly 60 years. The visit focused on enhancing bilateral ties in trade, defence, energy, space, technology, agriculture, and health. The two nations have a long historical connection and growing economic partnership.
Historical Ties Between India and Brazil
The India-Brazil relationship dates back to colonial times. Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral landed in Brazil in 1500, two years after Vasco da Gama reached India. Both Brazil and Goa were Portuguese colonies, encouraging early trade and cultural exchanges. Indian crops like coconut and mango reached Brazil, while Brazil exported cashew nuts to India. Indian cattle breeds from Andhra Pradesh influenced Brazilian livestock, now known as Nelore.
Modern Diplomatic Relations and Trade
India and Brazil established formal diplomatic ties in 1948. However, relations were slow to develop due to Brazil’s opposition to India’s 1961 Goa liberation. Economic reforms in the 1990s revived bilateral trade. By 2024-25, trade reached $12.20 billion. India exports petroleum products, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and engineering goods to Brazil. Brazil supplies crude oil, soya oil, gold, sugar, cotton, chemicals, and iron ore to India. Around 4,000 Indians reside in Brazil, with major Indian firms operating in São Paulo.
Strategic Partnerships and Institutional Mechanisms
India and Brazil maintain strategic dialogues and joint commissions to deepen cooperation. The Joint Commission Meeting involves foreign ministers, while national security advisers engage in Strategic Dialogue. The 2+2 Political-Military dialogue began in 2024. Both countries participate in global forums like BRICS, G-20, G-4, and the International Solar Alliance. They advocate for greater representation of Global South nations in international affairs.
Economic Challenges and Political Landscape in Brazil
Brazil’s economic growth has slowed in recent years amid corruption scandals. The 2017 impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff stemmed from budget manipulation and public dissatisfaction with inflation and unemployment. The Petrobras corruption case further damaged political stability. Despite challenges, Brazil hosted the 2016 Olympics, the first in South America, showcasing its global presence.
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