During a joint press briefing with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reinforced India’s uncompromising position on terrorism.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, Modi stated, “India and Brazil strongly oppose terrorism and those who support it,” while emphasising his nation’s firm belief that “There is no place for double standards on terrorism.” He further added, “Our thinking on the fight against terrorism is aligned – zero-tolerance and zero-double standards,” alluding subtly to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Pakistan and its all-weather ally, China. These remarks were made in the context of high-level bilateral discussions between India and Brazil.
Expanding India-Brazil Bilateral Ties
The joint delegation-level talks, as per the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, covered an extensive range of sectors. Both leaders delved into matters concerning trade and investment, defence and security, health and pharmaceuticals, space, renewable energy, food and energy security, infrastructure development, digital public infrastructure, as well as cultural and people-to-people connectivity. The talks also paved the way for exploring new collaboration in critical minerals, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, supercomputers, digital mobility, and digital cooperation. In a bid to further enhance economic engagement, the two sides set an ambitious bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion over the next five years.
PM Modi, who arrived in Brazil on a State Visit following his attendance at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, expressed his gratitude to President Lula. Modi extended his thanks for the Brazilian leader’s solidarity and support in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April. The discussions culminated in the signing of several agreements designed to bolster cooperation across various fields. Modi’s visit, which began with a grand ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília featuring a unique 114-horse parade, is expected to further accelerate the momentum in bilateral ties between the two nations.
