New Delhi, January 23, 2026 — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has confirmed a state visit to India from February 19 to 21, signaling a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations as they navigate a shifting global landscape.
Lula’s India Trip: A Signal Amidst Trump-Era Trade Tensions
The upcoming visit underscores growing ties between India and Brazil, particularly as both countries brace for potential economic headwinds.
- President Lula da Silva will visit New Delhi February 19-21.
- The leaders discussed a Brazil-India Business Forum during the visit.
- Both nations are focused on increasing bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030.
- The talks occurred against a backdrop of escalating trade tariffs imposed by the U.S.
What’s driving this closer relationship between India and Brazil? The answer lies in a shared desire to strengthen economic ties and navigate a world increasingly shaped by protectionist policies, particularly those emanating from the United States.
During a phone conversation on Thursday, President Lula da Silva informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his travel plans. “We discussed the State visit I will make to New Delhi between February 19 and 21, as well as the bilateral agenda,” Lula stated on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We highlighted the importance of the Brazil–India Business Forum that will take place during my visit, which will also be marked by the inauguration of the APEX Office in New Delhi.”
Conversei hoje por telefone com o primeiro-ministro da Índia, @narendramodi. Falamos sobre a visita de Estado que farei a Nova Délhi entre 19 e 21 de fevereiro próximo e sobre a agenda bilateral. Destacamos a importância do Fórum Empresarial Brasil – Índia que ocorrerá durante…— Lula (@LulaOficial) January 22, 2026
Prime Minister Modi reciprocated the sentiment, noting the “strong momentum” in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership. “Glad to speak with President Lula. We reviewed the strong momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, which is poised to scale new heights in the year ahead. Our close cooperation is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South. I look forward to welcoming him to India soon,” Modi posted on X.
Glad to speak with President Lula. We reviewed the strong momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, which is poised to scale new heights in the year ahead. Our close cooperation is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South. I look forward to welcoming…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 22, 2026
The visit is expected to be a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship, coming at a time when both India and Brazil are contending with the steepest tariffs imposed by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Last year, Lula da Silva directly addressed the issue with Modi, discussing the “imposition of unilateral tariffs” and signaling a coordinated effort to counter these levies.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the global situation, reaffirming their commitment to peace in Gaza and worldwide, as well as to multilateralism and democratic principles. Modi and Lula previously met at the G20 Summit in South Africa in November and the BRICS Summit in Brazil in July. Since 2023, they have convened four times, fostering a working relationship built on mutual respect and shared objectives.
Currently, India and Brazil maintain a robust trade relationship exceeding $15 billion, with a slight advantage to India. Indian exports include petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and engineering goods, while Brazil primarily supplies crude oil, sugar, and soybeans. Beyond trade, the two countries collaborate on key multilateral platforms such as the G20, BRICS, the World Trade Organization, and the G4 grouping alongside Japan and Germany.
First Published: January 22, 2026, 20:54 IST
What does this partnership mean for the future? It suggests a growing alignment between two major emerging economies seeking to navigate a complex and uncertain world.
