Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with the "Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross," Brazil's highest civilian award. The honor was presented by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a special ceremony in Brasilia.
This award recognizes PM Modi's significant contributions to strengthening relations between India and Brazil and fostering cooperation on international platforms such as BRICS, the G20, and the UN. The award is reserved for foreign heads of state and is considered one of the most distinguished honors Brazil bestows, acknowledging exemplary leadership and efforts in strengthening international relations. This marks the 26th international honor bestowed upon PM Modi by foreign governments since he became Prime Minister in May 2014.
Upon receiving the award, PM Modi expressed his gratitude to President Lula, the Brazilian government, and the people of Brazil, calling it a proud and emotional moment for all 1.4 billion Indians.
The conferment of this prestigious award highlights the deepening strategic and diplomatic partnership between India and Brazil, particularly in areas like trade, climate action, technology, and South-South cooperation. It also comes during a significant visit by PM Modi to Brazil, where he attended the BRICS summit and engaged in bilateral discussions with President Lula to broaden the strategic partnership between the two countries.
India and Brazil have a multifaceted relationship that was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006. Both nations share a common global vision, democratic values, and a commitment to fostering economic growth with social inclusion. They also cooperate in plurilateral forums like BRICS, G-20, G-4, the International Solar Alliance, and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
The relationship between India and Brazil dates back to colonial times, with trade and cultural exchanges occurring between Goa and Brazil, both Portuguese colonies. Formal diplomatic ties were established in 1948. Economic reforms in both countries in the 1990s led to revived bilateral trade. In 2024-25, bilateral trade reached $12.20 billion, with Indian exports to Brazil amounting to $6.77 billion and imports from Brazil totaling $5.43 billion.
During PM Modi's visit, the two countries are expected to sign agreements/MoUs on cooperation in renewable energy, counterterrorism, agricultural research, and the exchange and mutual protection of confidential information.
President Lula has expressed a desire to deepen trade ties with India. Brazil is also looking to diversify its exports to India beyond sugar and crude oil. Brazil also wants to expand a preferential trade agreement India has with Mercosur, the South American customs union formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The growing cooperation between India and Brazil in the defense sector symbolizes the deep mutual trust between the two countries. Both countries share aligned thinking on the fight against terrorism, with a zero-tolerance and zero-double standards approach. As the world navigates through tension and uncertainty, the India-Brazil partnership is a vital pillar of stability and balance.
