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Lula Seeks Expanded India‑Brazil Trade, AI Collaboration, and UN Reform During Delhi Visit

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Lula’s Four‑Day Diplomatic Mission Highlights Trade Ambitions President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived in New Delhi on February 20, 2026, leading Brazil’s largest business delegation for a four‑day visit aimed at deepening political and economic ties between the two democracies [1]. He noted that bilateral trade reached a record $15 billion in 2025, a figure he described as “tiny” relative to the market potential of India’s 1.4 billion people and Brazil’s 215 million citizens [1]. Lula framed the trip as an effort to convert goodwill into concrete projects that can boost commerce and shared prosperity [1].

Business Forum to Mobilize Hundreds of Companies The itinerary includes a Brazil‑India Business Forum in New Delhi that will convene roughly 600 private‑sector representatives from both countries [1]. Delegates are expected to explore joint ventures in critical minerals, small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises, and technology sectors [1]. Lula emphasized that the forum is designed to translate political commitments into measurable trade growth [1].

Mercosur‑India Pact Targeted for Expansion Lula pointed out that the existing Mercosur‑India agreement, in force since 2009, covers only a narrow range of products [1]. He announced plans to broaden the pact, lower tariff barriers, and align it with recent Mercosur‑EU and India‑EU deals [1]. The expansion aims to unlock new market segments and increase the share of bilateral trade [1].

AI Impact Summit Calls for Inclusive Governance At the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Lula warned that artificial intelligence must not become a tool of a few nations or billionaires [1]. He advocated for an “emancipatory” AI framework led by the United Nations to prevent digital colonialism [1]. The president’s remarks positioned Brazil as a champion of multilateral AI governance [1].

Support for India’s BRICS Presidency and UN Security Council Reform Lula expressed confidence that India’s 2026 BRICS presidency will advance health, climate, and AI cooperation initiatives launched by Brazil [1]. He also urged reform of the UN Security Council to grant permanent seats to India, Brazil, and African nations [1]. These diplomatic moves underscore Brazil’s broader strategy to reshape global governance structures [1].

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Timeline

1956 – India begins defence cooperation with Ethiopia by supporting the Harar Military Academy, establishing a long‑term security partnership that later expands into training and joint exercises [4].

2007 – India launches the Pan‑African e‑Network project, creating tele‑education links that later underpin Ethiopia’s higher‑education collaboration with Indian institutions [4].

2009 – The Mercosur‑India trade pact comes into force, covering a limited product range and providing a baseline for future expansion of Brazil‑India commercial ties [1].

2009 – Indian defence teams start training Ethiopian forces, formalising a defence‑training pipeline that continues into the 2020s [4].

2023 – The African Union gains full membership of the G‑20, elevating the continent’s voice in global economic governance and creating a platform for deeper India‑Africa engagement [2].

2024 – Ethiopia records 9.2 % GDP growth and projects 10.3 % growth for 2025, attracting rising foreign direct investment, including from Indian firms [3].

2025 (FY 24) – India’s exports to Africa total $38.17 billion, bringing bilateral trade close to $100 billion and positioning India as Africa’s fourth‑largest trading partner [2].

Dec 14‑15, 2025 – Analysts highlight Ethiopia’s strategic location, expanding mining sector and the opportunity for Indian investment to supply critical minerals for renewables and semiconductors, while noting regulatory and logistics hurdles [4].

Dec 16, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership in Addis Ababa, pledging doubled scholarships and deeper cooperation in economy, technology, defence, health and multilateral forums [3].

Dec 21, 2025 – Modi concludes a five‑nation tour (Namibia, Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil) that underscores India’s push to deepen sustainable Africa ties and showcases a five‑pillar strategy to double India‑Africa trade by 2030 through preferential agreements, logistics upgrades and digital services [2].

2025 – India’s five‑pillar trade strategy targets removal of barriers, shift to value‑added manufacturing, expanded credit lines, lower freight costs and growth of digital services, aiming to double trade with Africa by 2030 [2].

Feb 20, 2026 – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrives in New Delhi with Brazil’s largest business delegation and announces a Brazil‑India Business Forum that will host 600 firms, aiming to translate political goodwill into joint projects [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Lula states that Brazil‑India trade hit a record $15 billion in 2025 but remains far below potential, and he pushes to broaden the 2009 Mercosur‑India pact, lower barriers and build on recent Mercosur‑EU and India‑EU agreements [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – At the AI Impact Summit, Lula warns that artificial intelligence must avoid digital colonialism, calling for an inclusive, multilateral AI framework led by the United Nations and describing AI as “emancipatory” [1].

Feb 20, 2026 – Lula backs India’s 2026 BRICS presidency, urges UN Security Council reform to grant permanent seats to India, Brazil and African nations, and pledges health, climate and AI cooperation within the BRICS bloc [1].

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