Intro: Brazil opened a business office in India to boost trade, diversify exports, and strengthen political and economic ties

Sao Paulo

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will lead a high-level delegation to India from February 19 to 21, aiming to strengthen trade, attract investment, and build strategic partnerships. This visit reflects Brazil’s plan to reduce reliance on traditional partners like the US and China while boosting ties with emerging economies. Nearly 150 business leaders will join the mission, highlighting growing corporate interest in India’s market.

The visit comes after Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro visited India in October 2025. Talks then focused on defence cooperation, trade expansion, and the Mercosur-India Preferential Trade Agreement. Political engagement has also increased, with Lula and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently discussing UN reforms and international collaboration.

Brazil recently opened a business office in India to diversify exports, which are heavily focused on crude oil. India is now Brazil’s tenth-largest export destination and sixth-largest import source. Bilateral trade grew strongly in 2025, with exports rising 30.2% and imports increasing 21.9%, though Brazil recorded a USD 1.5 billion trade deficit. Agriculture will also be highlighted, with technical cooperation in family farming included in the delegation’s agenda.

Preparations are intensive, with Brazil renting a 500-seat auditorium in India to meet business leaders and showcase investment opportunities. Officials say the visit will not only boost the economy but also reinforce President Lula’s image as a global leader asserting Brazil’s interests on the world stage. The mission marks one of the largest overseas delegations of the current administration, signaling the country’s commitment to expanding international partnerships beyond traditional alliances.