NEW DELHI (Feb 22, 2026) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have launched a comprehensive strategic roadmap, signaling a new era of cooperation between the two giants of the Global South.
Digital & Technology Frontier
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AI & DPI: The leaders signed a Joint Declaration on Digital Partnership, focusing on using Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for financial inclusion. Collaborative efforts will target ethical AI governance and large language models (LLMs).
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Open Planetary Intelligence: A new initiative, the OPIN, will link technology with climate action across developing nations.
Economic & Trade Targets
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$30 Billion Goal: Following a 25.5% trade surge in 2025, both nations aim to reach $30 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
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MERCOSUR Expansion: Plans were finalized to broaden the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement to improve market access for industrial and agricultural goods.
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Critical Minerals: A strategic MoU was signed for cooperation in rare earth elements, essential for green energy supply chains.
Global Leadership & Security
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Multilateral Reform: Both nations reaffirmed mutual support for permanent seats on an expanded UN Security Council.
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Defense Ties: The roadmap emphasizes co-design and co-production, linking India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat with Brazil’s defense industrial base.
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Health Equity: A pact between ANVISA (Brazil) and CDSCO (India) will fast-track regulatory approvals for affordable medicines and vaccines.
