PM Modi Receives Grand 114-Horse Ceremonial Welcome In Brasilia; Begins Historic State Visit To Boost Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia on Tuesday evening, India time.

The reception marked the beginning of his State Visit following his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The welcome included military honours and an escort of 114 horses.

Both leaders then held a restricted-format meeting, which was followed by delegation-level talks. A signing ceremony for various agreements is scheduled, along with joint press statements.

PM Modi will later attend a State Lunch hosted at the Alvorada Palace.

President Lula welcomed PM Modi warmly, stating on social media, “We will sign new agreements and take another important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Brazil and India.”

This visit marks PM Modi’s fourth trip to Brazil, following visits in 2014, 2019, and 2023.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the India-Brazil partnership spans multiple sectors. These include trade, investments, energy, mining, defence, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, space, science and technology, and digital infrastructure. Both leaders will also address key global issues of mutual interest.

PM Modi called the visit a historic moment, being the first bilateral State Visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brazil in nearly six decades.

“It will strengthen our close partnership and advance the priorities of the Global South,” he said before departing for Brasilia.

Brazil’s government proposed five priority areas for future cooperation: defence and security, food and nutritional security, energy transition and climate change, digital transformation, and industrial partnerships in key sectors.

These include the aeronautical industry, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.

India and Brazil actively collaborate in international forums such as the UN, G20, BRICS, IBSA, and G4.

President Lula had visited India in September 2023 for the G20 Summit. The Brazil-India Joint Commission (COMISTA) met in August 2024 in New Delhi to deepen ties.

In 2024, bilateral trade between the two nations reached US$12 billion. India ranked as Brazil’s 10th largest trading partner and sixth largest source of imports.

Since the G20 Summit in New Delhi, 72 Brazilian trade missions have visited India, while about 40 Indian delegations have visited Brazil.

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