Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thanks Brazilian President Lula For Solidarity After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his strong show of solidarity following the 22 April terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

The gesture came during PM Modi’s State Visit to Brazil, where both leaders engaged in wide-ranging talks to elevate bilateral cooperation.

During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi and President Lula explored ways to expand trade ties and diversify areas of economic engagement.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Held fruitful talks with President Lula, who has always been passionate about India-Brazil friendship. Our talks included ways to deepen trade ties and also diversify bilateral trade. We both agree that there is immense scope for such linkages to thrive in the coming times.”

“Clean energy, sustainable development and overcoming climate change were also prominent topics of discussion in our talks. Other areas where we will work even more closely include defence, security, AI and agriculture. India-Brazil cooperation in space, semiconductors and DPI will benefit our people,” the post further added.

In a joint statement, both leaders reviewed the broad spectrum of India-Brazil relations – from trade, defence, health, and infrastructure to newer areas such as critical minerals, digital mobility, and supercomputing.

They agreed to set a $20 billion bilateral trade target over the next five years, while also exchanging views on key global and regional issues of mutual concern.

PM Modi also extended thanks to President Lula and the people of Brazil for their warmth and hospitality, noting the significance of the visit following his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Recognition & honours

Brazil conferred its highest civilian honour – ‘The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’ – upon Prime Minister Modi on the same day.

This marked the 26th international honour for the Indian leader, and the third during his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour.

PM Modi was recently honoured in Trinidad and Tobago with ‘The Order of the Republic’, the country’s highest award, and in Ghana with the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ for his global leadership and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit began with a ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília, complete with full military honours and an escort of 114 horses.

The leaders initially met in a restricted format, followed by delegation-level talks and a signing ceremony covering multiple areas of cooperation.

PM Modi’s previous visits to Brazil – in 2014, 2019, and 2023 – were for multilateral summits.

This State Visit, according to the Ministry of External Affairs, offers an opportunity to take stock of and renew momentum in the India-Brazil strategic partnership established in 2006, touching on sectors such as oil and gas, traditional medicine, tourism, science, and people-to-people ties.

The visit will likely cement a new chapter in India-Brazil relations following growing convergence on global issues and emerging technologies.

Also Read: ‘This Is A Tribute To 1.4 Billion Indians’, Declares PM Modi After Receiving Brazil’s Grand Collar