Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, accompanied by his wife Maria Lucia Alckmin, is set for a pivotal three-day visit to India. This official trip, running from October 15 to 17, underscores the deepening relationship between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the itinerary, highlighting high-level engagements aimed at bolstering cooperation.
Upon arrival in New Delhi on October 15, Vice President Alckmin will meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. These discussions are expected to focus on enhancing defence and security collaboration. This meeting sets the stage for a packed schedule of diplomatic interactions.
October 16 features a busy agenda with multiple key meetings. Alckmin will call on Vice President CP Radhakrishnan and hold separate talks with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal. He will also meet Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to discuss energy partnerships.
The visit concludes on October 17 with a meeting between Vice President Alckmin and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This final engagement will cap off the intensive diplomatic dialogue. It aims to solidify agreements and set future directions.
This visit follows closely after the sixth India-Brazil Strategic Dialogue held in New Delhi on October 3. Senior officials from both sides reviewed cooperation in defence, security, energy, and health. The dialogue was led by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Brazil’s Ambassador Celso Luis Nunes Amorim.
Discussions also covered collaboration in multilateral platforms like BRICS and IBSA. Both nations addressed the upcoming COP-30 climate conference, which Brazil will host in November. They agreed to implement the vision set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Trade and economic relations are a major focus of this visit. Both India and Brazil face higher US tariffs, prompting efforts to strengthen bilateral trade. Reducing dependence on external markets is a shared priority.
Brazilian President Lula advocates dedollarizing global trade, a stance India has consistently opposed. This difference highlights a key area of ongoing dialogue. The visit provides a platform to address these economic policies.
Economic engagement has grown steadily between the nations. During Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Brazil in July, leaders set a goal to raise bilateral trade to USD 20 billion within five years. This ambitious target reflects their commitment.
In FY 2024-25, merchandise trade reached USD 12.19 billion. Brazil is India’s largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean. This robust trade relationship forms a strong foundation for future growth.
Alckmin’s visit will review outcomes from the seventh India-Brazil Trade Monitoring Mechanism meeting held on October 7. Co-chaired by commerce officials from both sides, it addressed trade and investment relations. Market access and sectoral cooperation were key topics.
Detailed discussions covered expanding the India-MERCOSUR PTA and cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and chemicals. Issues like visa facilitation and multilateral coordination were also discussed. These efforts aim to streamline economic interactions.
The visit is expected to deepen the India-Brazil partnership significantly. It lays the groundwork for President Lula’s state visit to India next year. Continuing the implementation of the roadmap set by both leaders is crucial.
Overall, this diplomatic engagement reinforces the strategic alliance. It highlights mutual interests in trade, energy, and multilateral cooperation. The outcomes will shape future bilateral initiatives.