India and Brazil have solidified their strategic partnership by inking six agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in key areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, renewable energy, and digital transformation. The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brasilia, where he met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

A significant focus of the strengthened partnership is on defence cooperation. While Brazil has decided to halt negotiations for procuring the Akash air defence system from India, both nations have expressed commitment to expanding bilateral defence and security ties, including exploring joint research and development and co-development of military hardware. This growing cooperation in the defence sector signifies a deepening mutual trust between the two countries. Both countries are looking at interlinking their defence industries. Brazil is reportedly interested in procuring coastal surveillance systems and the artillery gun Garuda from India.

Combating terrorism is another crucial aspect of the enhanced India-Brazil relationship. The two countries signed an agreement on cooperation in combating international terrorism and transnational crime, underscoring their shared commitment to addressing this global threat. Prime Minister Modi emphasized India's stance of "zero tolerance and zero double standards" on terrorism, a view shared by President Lula. Modi also thanked President Lula for condemning the Pahalgam terror attack in April that killed 26 innocent citizens and extending support to India.

Beyond defence and counter-terrorism, the agreements also cover cooperation in renewable energy, digital solutions, intellectual property, and the exchange of classified information. With environment and clean energy as main priorities for both nations, the agreement to increase cooperation in the field of energy will provide new direction and momentum to the countries' green goals. The two sides also signed an MOU on cooperation for sharing successful large-scale digital solutions for digital transformation.

Recognizing the significant potential for economic growth, India and Brazil have set a bilateral trade target of $20 billion to be achieved in the next five years. To facilitate this, they have decided to elevate the level of trade talks and establish a ministerial-level mechanism for monitoring trade, commerce, and investment-related matters. The current trade between the two countries is $12.2 billion.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of the India-Brazil partnership for global stability and balance, especially during a time of tension and uncertainty. He also mentioned that India and Brazil are working together on the adoption of UPI (Unified Payments Interface) in Brazil.

President Lula conferred upon Prime Minister Modi Brazil's highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing India-Brazil cooperation. This is the 26th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by a foreign government since he assumed office in May 2014.