In a strong call for global governance reform, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva demanded immediate changes to the United Nations Security Council during his visit to New Delhi. Speaking alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lula explicitly supported permanent membership for both India and Brazil in the powerful UN body.
The announcement came after extensive talks at Hyderabad House on Saturday. Lula highlighted the pivotal role of the G4 nations—India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan—in pushing for UNSC expansion. ‘For over 20 years, we’ve advocated for a more representative Security Council,’ he stated, emphasizing the need for the UN to intervene effectively in today’s global conflicts.
Lula stressed that without broader representation, the UN risks irrelevance. He called for increasing both permanent and non-permanent seats to enhance legitimacy and effectiveness. This push aligns with growing demands from the Global South for a multipolar world order.
The Brazilian leader’s visit, spanning February 18-22, also included participation in the second AI Impact Summit. Praising his ‘dear friend Modi,’ Lula noted his sixth trip to India, underscoring deep ties between the two largest democracies of the Global South. Both nations, he said, champion multilateralism, peace, and cultural industries.
Discussions focused on strengthening the India-Brazil strategic partnership across trade, energy, defense, agriculture, climate action, technology, AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, and Global South cooperation. Ten agreements were finalized in areas like critical minerals, digital collaboration, traditional knowledge exchange, health, MSMEs, entrepreneurship, and mass communication.
Leaders committed to boosting bilateral trade beyond $20 billion in the next five years. They reaffirmed dedication to an inclusive world order and combating terrorism. Lula’s delegation included 14 ministers and top CEOs from Brazilian firms.
Recent high-level meets include Modi’s landmark 2023 visit to Brasilia—the first by an Indian PM in 57 years—and their G20 summit in Johannesburg. Marking 20 years of strategic partnership, Saturday’s pacts aim to implement ambitious agendas in defense, food security, energy transition, digital transformation, and industrial collaboration.
‘Brazil and India are poised for cooperation in cutting-edge sectors like IT, AI, biotech, and space,’ Lula remarked, signaling vast opportunities ahead.