New Delhi erupted in diplomatic warmth on Saturday as Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva received a grand ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the visiting leader with open arms, marking the start of a significant state visit aimed at deepening ties between the two Global South powerhouses.
Following the red-carpet reception, PM Modi and President Lula retreated to Hyderabad House for high-level bilateral talks. Discussions are expected to focus on bolstering economic partnerships, trade expansion, and collaborative efforts on global issues. This visit, spanning February 18 to 22, underscores the growing synergy between India and Brazil.
President Lula, no stranger to India—this being his sixth trip—arrived with a high-powered delegation of 14 ministers and top CEOs from Brazilian firms. Parallel meetings between ministers and their Indian counterparts are underway, complemented by a dedicated business forum where corporate leaders will explore investment opportunities.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met President Lula, praising his vision for strategic partnership. Jaishankar also held talks with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that PM Modi and President Lula will review all facets of bilateral relations, host a lunch, and deliberate on regional and global matters including multilateral reforms and Global South priorities.
President Murmu will host a state dinner in Lula’s honor, capping a day filled with promise. As two vibrant democracies, India and Brazil are poised to amplify their cooperation in technology, AI, and sustainable development, with events like the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 on the horizon. This visit signals a new chapter in Indo-Brazilian relations, promising mutual prosperity and strengthened global influence.