World News : Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome at Alvorada Palace in Brasilia during his State Visit to Brazil, following the BRICS Summit on Tuesday. He was welcomed with a special performance of ‘Ram Bhajan’.He enjoyed the classical Indian music presentation accompanied by traditional instruments, such as the harmonium and tabla. A significant aspect of the ceremony included a unique 114-horse welcome. Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shared a hug upon the Prime Minister’s arrival. During the visit, President Lula conferred Brazil’s highest national honor, “The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross,” upon PM Modi.
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PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Lula for the warm welcome in Brazil, emphasizing the emotional significance of receiving Brazil’s highest national award, a moment he dedicates to the 140 crore Indians. He acknowledged Lula’s role in establishing the strategic partnership between India and Brazil, noting that their meetings inspire him to enhance the well-being of both nations.
In a series of post,PM Modi wrote,”I’m honoured to have been conferred ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross.’ Gratitude to President Lula, the Government and the people of Brazil. This illustrates the strong affection the people of Brazil have for the people of India. May our friendship scale even newer heights of success in the times to come.”
PM Modi emphasized strengthening cooperation across all sectors and aiming for a bilateral trade goal of 20 billion dollars in five years. He highlighted the shared passions of football in Brazil and cricket in India, suggesting that collaboration can lead to successful partnerships, including expanding the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
In energy, PM Modi noted significant progress environmental priorities, praising the new agreement to boost green cooperation, and extended best wishes to Lula for the upcoming COP-30 Summit in Brazil. The strengthening of defense ties reflects a deep trust, with ongoing efforts to connect defense industries.
Additionally, both countries are expanding collaboration in Artificial Intelligence and Supercomputers, showcasing a shared vision for inclusive and human-centric development. PM Modi mentioned the adoption of UPI in Brazil and India’s experience in Digital Public Infrastructure and Space as valuable collaborations.
In agriculture and health, PM Modi highlighted decades of cooperation, now extending into agricultural research, food processing, Ayurveda, and traditional medicine. People-to-people ties are viewed as a crucial foundation of the relationship, with a vision for India-Brazil interactions to be as vibrant and engaging as Carnival and football, while working to ease travel for tourists, students, and business people.
At a global level, PM Modi pointed out the importance of India and Brazil’s coordinated efforts as major democracies, emphasizing their responsibility to elevate the concerns of the Global South. He reiterated that in times of global tension, the partnership between India and Brazil is essential for stability and balance, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy in conflict resolution.PM Modi stressed a shared commitment to a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism, condemning both terrorism and its supporters.
In conclusion, he thanked Lula for the honor and friendship, extending an invitation for Lula to visit India, expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians for the recognition received.
In a seperate post on X ,PM Modi wrote,”I thank my good friend, President Lula, the Government and wonderful people of Brazil for their kindness through this visit. Over the last few days, I have attended the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and held bilateral talks with President Lula in Brasília.”
“Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and also diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times.” PM Modi noted.
During the visit, India and Brazil also inked agreements to bolster cooperation in several areas.President Lula hosted a banquet for Prime Minister Modi, where they discussed regional and multilateral issues, focusing on the Global South and enhancing South-South cooperation across platforms like BRICS, G20, IBSA, and the UN. Prime Minister Modi invited President Lula to pay a visit to India, and the invitation was generously accepted by President Lula.
PM Modi is on a five-nation visit, and Namibia will be his last stop.
