India - Brazil Relations
India and Brazil share a close and multifaceted relationship which is based on
shared democratic values and convergence of views on many global issues. The two
countries cooperate not only bilaterally but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS,
IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies such as the UN and WTO, among others. India-
Brazil relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, thereby heralding a
new phase in bilateral ties.
History and background
2. Pedro Alvares Cabral, a Portuguese explorer landed on the East Coast of Brazil
in 1500, two years after Vasco de Gama had landed in India. Between the 16 th and 18th
centuries, Brazil and Goa, both outposts of the Portuguese imperialist empire, had
bilateral exchanges that are reflected in food and dressing as well as local traditions.
Another remarkable, but relatively unknown facet of our bilateral relations is that the
bulk of Brazilian cattle are of Indian origin. The popularity of a Brazilian tele-novella
called ‘Caminho das Indias (Paths of India)’ has had a great impact in enhancing the
awareness of India in the minds of the Brazilian public.
3. Diplomatic relations were established in 1948, with both countries opening the
embassies in the same year. India has a Consulate General in Sao Paulo while Brazil
has a Consulate General in Mumbai. India later moved its Embassy from Rio to Brasilia
in 1971. India’s first cultural centre in Latin America opened in Sao Paulo in May 2011.
Important Visits
4. Regular high level exchange of visits have provided a sustained impetus to the
growing relationship. A list of VVIP visits is given below:
From India to Brazil From Brazil to India
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Vice President Mr. Fernando Henrique Cardoso, President
(1954) (1996)
Ms. Indira Gandhi, PM (1968) Mr. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President (2004,
2007 and 2008)
Mr. P.V. Narasimha Rao, PM (1992) Ms. Dilma Rousseff, President (2012)
Dr. K.R. Narayan, President (1998) Mr. Michel Temer, President (BRICS) (2016)
Dr. Manmohan Singh, PM (2006, 2010, President Bolsonaro (State Visit) 24-27 January
2012) 2020.
Ms. PratibhaPatil, President (2008)
Mr. Narendra Modi, PM (BRICS) (2014
and 2019)
5. India’s relationship with Brazil has continued to grow over the past decade with
various high-level exchanges and got further intensified in 2019 and early 2020 with the
back to back VVIP visits. PM Modi met President Bolsonaro on the sidelines of the G20
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Summit in Osaka on 29 June 2019, followed by meeting on the sidelines of XI BRICS
Summit in Brasilia on 13 November 2019.
6. At the invitation of PM Modi, President Bolsonaro paid a State Visit to India from
25-27 January 2020. He was the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day Parade on 26
January 2020 and was accompanied by a high-level delegation which included eight
Ministers, four Members of Parliament, senior officials of the Brazilian Government and
members of business community. During the visit, an Action Plan to Strengthen the
Strategic Partnership between India and Brazil was adopted which provides a roadmap
aimed at revitalizing ongoing engagements in a focused manner. Fifteen MOUs/
Agreements in diverse sectors that include Investment, Assistance in Criminal Matters,
Cyber Security, Oil & Gas, Bio-energy, S&T, Culture, Animal Husbandry, Health and
Traditional Medicines were signed. Both sides also discussed other areas of
cooperation including Trade and Investments, Defence, Space and areas of
Cooperation on global issues of mutual interest. The leaders agreed on the need to
work together more closely in BRICS, IBSA, UN and other international fora, including
fight against Terrorism.
7. Foreign Minister-level Meetings: On the sidelines of BRICS Foreign Ministers
meeting held in Rio de Janeiro on 25 July 2019, Gen V. K. Singh (Retd.), MoS Road
Transport and Highways met Foreign Minister of Brazil Ernesto Araujo and had bilateral
discussions. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Minister Ernesto Araújo on
the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 26 September
2019.
8. Ministerial visits from India (since 2014): Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for
Commerce & Industry (November 2019); Shri Raj Kumar Singh, MoS (IC) for Power and
New & Renewable Energy (November 2019); Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor
(October 2019); Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, MoS for Health & Family Welfare
(October 2019); Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, MoS (IC) for Culture and Tourism (October
2019); Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science and Technology (September 2019), Shri
Prakash Javadekar, Environment Minister (August 2019), Gen (Dr.) V. K. Singh (Retd.),
MoS Road Transport and Highways (July 2019), Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Minister
of State for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Chemicals & Fertilizers (April
2017); Shri. Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister for Consumer Affair, Food and Public
Distribution (August, 2016); Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport, Highways
and Shipping (November, 2015); Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Harsh
Vardhan (March 2015); Minister of Agriculture, Shri Radha Mohan Singh (March 2015);
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, MoS for Commerce and Industry (July 2014).
9. Ministerial visits from Brazil (since 2014): Mrs. Tereza Cristina, Minister of
Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (January 2020), Mr. Bento Albuquerque, Minister of
Mines and Energy (January 2020), Mr. Fernando Coelho Filho, Minister of Mines and
Energy (November, 2016); Mr. Blairo Maggi, Minister of Agriculture (September 2016);
Ambassador Mauro Vieira, Minister of External Relations (November 2015); Ms. Katia
Abreu, Minister of Agriculture (November 2015).
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Institutional Mechanisms
10. As strategic partners, India and Brazil have several Institutional mechanisms to
coordinate various aspects of their bilateral relationship. This included Joint
Commission Meeting (Foreign Minister level), Strategic Dialogue (NSA), Foreign Office
Consultations (Secretary), Trade Monitoring Mechanism (TMM), Economic and
Financial Dialogue, Dialogue on Consular and Mobility Issues, Joint Defence
Commission, Joint Committee on Science & Technology and India-Brazil Business
Leaders Forum. Last meeting of the TMM was held on 24 January 2020. Both sides
also have several Joint Working Groups to take forward sectoral cooperation.
Parliamentary Exchanges
11. A Brazilian Parliamentary delegation attended the BRICS Women
Parliamentarians’ Forum in Jaipur, India on 20-21 August, 2016. In Brazil, there is a
Brazil-India Parliamentary Friendship Group chaired by Deputy ViniciusCarvalho
(Republicanos Party) and composed of 35 members of the lower chamber and one
senator. In India, there was an India-LAC Parliamentary Friendship Group in India
during the last term of Lok Sabha. A goodwill parliamentary visit led by Minister of
Parliamentary Affairs of India has been proposed for the second quarter of 2020.
Response is awaited from Brazilian side on this proposal.
Trade and Investment
12. Bilateral Trade: Bilateral trade between India and Brazil was at US$ 8.2 billion in
2018-19. This included US$ 3.8 billion as Indian exports to Brazil and US$ 4.4 million as
imports by India from Brazil. Major Indian exports to Brazil include agrochemical,
synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products.
Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral
and ores.
10. Bilateral Investments: A plethora of sectors have witnessed investments
between India and Brazil. While the Brazilian companies have invested in automobiles,
IT, mining, energy, biofuels, footwear sectors in India, the Indian companies have
invested in such sectors as IT, Pharmaceutical, Energy, agri-business, mining,
engineering and automobiles. On the investment front, there were robust Indian
investments in Brazil. Sterlite Group has won a power transmission line project worth
800 million (Sterlite Group has plans to invest USD 4 billion in Brazil by 2022), UPL has
invested USD 150 million in their new plants in Sao Paulo and they are keen to develop
the pulses segment: chickpeas, lentils and special beans. In 2018, the total Indian
investment in Brazil was estimated at USD 6 billion and the total Brazilian investment in
India was estimated at USD 1 billion.
11. Trade Monitoring Mechanism: India and Brazil have established an institutional
mechanism to monitor and identify bottlenecks in bilateral trade and take appropriate
measures to address them. Since 2008, the TMM has met five times. The last meeting
was held on 24 January 2020 in New Delhi.
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12. India-MERCOSUR PTA: MERCOSUR is a regional grouping comprising Brazil,
Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. India signed a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA)
with MERCOSUR in 2004. Both sides agreed to expand the India-Mercosur PTA from
its current list of 450 items as it would unlock the potential to enhance trade ties. The
last meeting with MERCOSUR, was held on 24 September 2019 via video
Conferencing.
Defence & Security Cooperation
13. India and Brazil signed an agreement in 2003 for cooperation in defence. Joint
Defence Committee (JDC) meetings are held as an institutionalized mechanism for
defence cooperation. Six JDC meetings have taken place so far between the two sides.
The 6th JDC meeting was held in February 2019 in Brasilia.
14. During the State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India (24-27 January 2020), PM
Modi and President Bolsonaro reiterated the importance of broad-based bilateral
defence cooperation in enhancing the strategic partnership. An event focussed on
defence industries took place on 27 January 2020 in New Delhi. During the Presidential
visit, the Brazilian firearms company Taurus Armas SA signed a joint venture with Jindal
Defence (part of O P Jindal Group) to produce and sell small arms in India. With an
initial investment of US$ 5 million in a project that is to be developed in phases, the
agreement proposes setting up a plant at Hisar (Haryana). Indian and Brazilian Navies
are also coordinating the technical aspects related to White Shipping Information
through a data sharing agreement.
15. Security and Cooperation: India and Brazil established a strategic dialogue
mechanism in 2006 to cover regional and global issues of mutual concern. This
dialogue is led by NSA from the Indian side. So far, four meetings have taken place.
The last meeting was held in November 2015 in New Delhi. The two countries already
have an Extradition Treaty, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters and an
Agreement of Transfer of Sentenced Persons in place.
Cooperation in the field of Cyber Security
16. An MoU on cooperation in the area of Cyber Security between CERT-In and its
counterpart agency was signed during the State visit of President Bolsonaro in January
2020. India and Brazil also cooperate in cyber issues at BRICS and IBSA.
Space Cooperation
18. India and Brazil signed a framework agreement for peaceful use of outer space
in 2004 as well an Agreement inter-institutional cooperation between the space
agencies. Both countries have been collaborating in Data sharing and satellite tracking
of Indian satellites. As part of the UNISPACE+50 (50th Anniversary of first UN
Conference on Space) initiative, ISRO organized an 8-week long training programme on
nanosatellite building. This programme, named as ‘UNNATI’ (UNispace Nanosatellite
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Assembly & Training by ISRO), saw participation by two officials from Brazilian Space
Agency (AEB).
Cooperation in Science and Technology (S&T)
19. Science and Technology (S&T) is another key area of co-operation. The
Agreement on S&T Cooperation between India and Brazil was signed on 12 September,
2006. A Program of Scientific and Technological Cooperation (PoC S&T) for the period
2020-2023 was signed during the recent State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India.
Under the S&T Cooperation so far, 15 joint workshops and 3 mega/coordinated projects
have been held in areas of biotechnology and human health, renewable energy
including low carbon technologies; ICT; ocean sciences and climate change. The last
meeting of the Joint Committee on Science and Technology was held on 30 May 2018.
In order to encourage implementation of new technologies in Agricultural sector, the first
edition of the Maitri- Indo-BrazilAgritech Cross-Incubation Programme is currently
underway.
Cooperation in Bio-fuels, Oil & Gas
20. Bio-energy sector offers large business potential for Brazilian companies, who
are already leaders in this sector. India and Brazil are already co-operating in
multilateral forums such as Bio platforms. 'National Biofuel Policy' of India and 'Renova
Bio' Programme of Brazil have some common objectives related to increase in the
current blending percentage of bio-fuel with Petro and Diesal..
21. Engagement in the hydrocarbon sector has intensified in the recent years. Brazil
is the destination for India's largest upstream investment in South America. During FY
2018-19, India imported 3.4 MMT of crude oil worth US$ 1.6 billion from Brazil. Brazil
with total crude oil reserves of 13.4 billion barrels has the 2nd largest oil reserves in
South America after Venezuela. During the State Visit of President Bolsonaro, the two
sides signed MoUs in Bioenergy and Oil& Gas to strengthen cooperation. Brazil has
signed the International Solar Alliance Agreement and its ratification is awaited.
Cooperation in, Agriculture, Food Processing and Animal Husbandry
22. Agriculture, food processing and animal husbandry are other key focus areas for
bilateral cooperation. The cattle of Brazil and India share the same genetic heritage.
Indian cattle like Gir and Kankrej, which were exported centuries back has been suitably
modified to yield large quantities of milk. Both sides are working on training and capacity
building including Technology Transfer.
Technical Cooperation & Scholarships
23. Brazil is covered under the Scholarship scheme of the Indian Council of Cultural
relations (ICCR) with two fixed slots annually. Brazil is also covered under the AYUSH
Scholarship Scheme. In the last seven years (2011 onwards) around 55 Brazilians have
availed of the ITEC programme for training in communications, management and
defence. Nine slots in various defence courses have been utilized under ITEC in the last
five years. Four Brazilian diplomats underwent training at the Foreign Service Institute,
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New Delhi for the Professional Course for Foreign Diplomats (PCFD) and Disarmament
and Internal Security Fellowship programme.
Cultural Cooperation
24. A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the years 2020-2024 was signed
during the State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India in January 2020. In Brazil, there is
enormous interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and philosophy. The first
forms of Indian Culture to reach Brazil were related to spirituality, philosophy and
religion. Folkloric identities and celebrations from India could relate very much to the
jolly and colourful nature of the festivities such as the typical dances and parades of
north and northeast of Brazil. The first classical Indian art form to come to Brazil was
Bharatanatyam; Odissi, Kathak and Kuchipudi followed. There are numerous
organizations teaching Yoga all over Brazil. Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Satya Sai
Baba, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Bhakti Vedanta Foundation and other spiritual gurus and
organizations have chapters in Brazil.
25. Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. The Brazilian
Association of Ayurveda (ABRA) is a non-profit association with offices in 9 states of
Brazil and has members all over Brazil. The third International Congress on Ayurveda
was held from in March 2018 in Rio de Janeiro and saw participation of more than 4000
delegates, including many from India.
26. In 2015, the 1st International Day of Yoga was celebrated in 12 major cities of
Brazil and Correois, Brazil (Brazilian Postal Department) issued a stamp on this
occasion. Regular Yoga classes are organised at the Embassy since September 2017.
The 5th International Day of Yoga was celebrated in various cities of Brazil including
Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre, Florianopolis and Curitiba. On 21 June 2019, a mass
yoga session was organized in front of the famous National Museum with the iconic
Cathedral as a backdrop in Brasilia. A Special Solemn Session was organized in the
Plenary hall of the Chambers of Deputies (Lower House of the Parliament) with guest
speakers observing the importance of Yoga in the daily lives. Over 5000 people
participated in various events organised across Brazil.
27. Mahatma Gandhi is highly regarded in Brazil and the Government and NGOs are
trying to inculcate the philosophy of non-violence among students, youth and police.
Statues of Mahatma Gandhi have been installed in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and
Londrina. An organization called Filhos de Gandhy (Sons of Gandhi) is very popular in
Salvador, Brazil and takes out street processions wearing Gandhian attire every year. A
commemorative postal stamp was released by Correois, Brazil (Brazilian Postal
Department) on 2 October 2018. As part of celebrations of the 150 th birth anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi (Bapu@150), various activities were organised in 2019 in cities of
Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. To give a befitting end to the
celebrations of Bapu@150, the Embassy, in association with the Government of the
Federal District, installed a bust of Mahatma Gandhi at the prestigious City Park in
Brasilia on 9 January 2020.
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28. On 25 January 2020, the Government of India conferred Padma Shri, the 4 th
highest civilian award, to Prof Lia Diskin & Ms. Gloria Arieira, for their contribution in the
fields of social work, and literature & education respectively.
29. Globo Television, Brazil’s leading media group produced and aired a news
special in 2019 titled “The Journey of Life: Ganges River”. The documentary focuses on
places that have played an important role on the development of human civilization.
30. In Brazil, there is a lot of interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and
philosophy. Folkloric traditions and celebrations from India could relate very much to the
joyful and colorful Brazilian festivities. ICCR has deputed a Teacher of Indian Culture at
the Cultural centre in CGI Sao Paulo and the Embassy of India in Brasilia.
31. Indian cinema is also popular among the Brazilian people. Brazilian Post issued
a commemorative stamp in May 2014 on “100 years of Indian Cinema”. Indian Film
weeks organized by the Embassy and Consulate have received a good response.
Visa Issues
32. Under a bilateral agreement signed in 2004, diplomatic and official passport
holders are exempted from Visa for a stay of maximum of 90 days. India has e-visas for
Brazilians visiting India for the purpose of tourism, medical treatment and attending
conferences. Brazil has also announced Visa free travel for Indian citizens for short term
business and tourism purposes.
Indian Community in Brazil
33. The Indian community in Brazil is estimated to be around 5,000 people, with
majority of them living in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus. The community
comprises primarily of professionals and businessmen, with some
scientists/researchers also working in the fields of space, agriculture, physics and
biotechnology. There is an Indian Association in Sao Paulo, which organises events to
celebrate national days and community festivals.
Useful Resources:
Embassy of India Website: https://eoibrasilia.gov.in/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indiainbrazil
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/indiainbrazil
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indiainbrazil/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTAUaQPy8nziEUnCues7bFg
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31 January 2020
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