PM Modi and Brazilian President Lula Hold Comprehensive Dialogue on Bilateral Ties and Global Issues
Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a substantive telephone conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday, marking a significant diplomatic exchange between two key Global South nations. The 45-minute discussion focused on reviewing the substantial progress achieved in the India-Brazil strategic partnership while emphasizing the critical importance of bilateral cooperation for advancing shared interests across developing nations.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership Across Multiple Domains
During their comprehensive dialogue, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the remarkable momentum in bilateral relations across diverse sectors. The conversation highlighted significant advancements in trade and investment, technology collaboration, defence cooperation, energy partnerships, healthcare initiatives, agricultural exchanges, and people-to-people connections. This multifaceted progress reflects the deepening engagement between two of the world's largest democracies and emerging economies.
Prime Minister Modi specifically conveyed his anticipation for President Lula's upcoming visit to India, scheduled from February 19 to 21. The Brazilian leader is expected to participate in an artificial intelligence summit during this diplomatic engagement, further underscoring the technological dimension of the growing partnership between the two nations.
Shared Commitment to Global Governance Reforms
The leaders demonstrated strong alignment on several crucial international matters during their conversation. Both India and Brazil reaffirmed their commitment to United Nations Security Council reforms, emphasizing the need for more representative global governance structures that reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Additionally, the two heads of state expressed their shared dedication to promoting peace in Gaza and advancing multilateral approaches to conflict resolution. This position assumes particular significance as both countries have maintained their stance regarding international peace initiatives, having not accepted former US President Donald Trump's invitation to join his proposed Board of Peace for addressing the Gaza conflict.
Global South Solidarity and Economic Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi emphasized in his social media post following the conversation that "our close cooperation is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South." This statement captures the essence of the growing strategic alignment between India and Brazil as founding members of BRICS, the influential grouping of emerging economies.
The diplomatic exchange also touched upon economic matters of mutual concern, including tariff policies and the defense of multilateral trade frameworks. This discussion builds upon previous conversations between the leaders, including President Lula's call to Prime Minister Modi in August last year regarding unilateral tariff impositions and the preservation of multilateral economic systems.
Future Engagements and Strategic Alignment
Looking ahead, both leaders expressed optimism about further strengthening the strategic partnership in the coming year. President Lula is anticipated to visit India again later this year for the BRICS summit that India will host under its presidency, providing another platform for high-level engagement between the two nations.
The Indian government's official statement noted that the leaders exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual interest while underscoring the importance of reformed multilateralism in addressing shared challenges. This comprehensive dialogue reinforces the growing strategic convergence between India and Brazil as they navigate complex global dynamics while advancing their bilateral partnership to new heights.
