India and Brazil signed an agreement to boost cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths during Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the deal strengthens resilient supply chains and reduces dependence on China. The agreement impacts technology, energy, and industrial sectors in both countries.
The cooperation focuses on investment in exploration, mining, and steel sector infrastructure. Brazil holds the world’s second-largest reserves of critical minerals used in EVs, solar panels, smartphones, and defense applications. India aims to diversify supply sources and expand domestic production and recycling to meet rising demand.
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Modi said bilateral trade could surpass $20 billion within five years. Nine other agreements were finalized, covering digital cooperation, health, entrepreneurship, AI, semiconductors, and innovation. Lula called the deal “pioneering” and emphasized renewable energy and strategic resource collaboration. Officials expect long-term benefits for industrial and technological development.
India’s growing engagement with Brazil complements recent partnerships with the US, France, and the EU. Experts note that Global South alliances help secure diversified resource access and influence emerging global trade rules. Bilateral trade in 2025 reached $15 billion, with key Brazilian exports including sugar, crude oil, vegetable oils, cotton, and iron ore.
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The leaders also discussed defense sector cooperation and technological collaboration. Lula visited India’s AI Impact Summit and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. He will continue to South Korea for further diplomatic and business engagements. Analysts describe the visit as imparting “new momentum” to India-Brazil relations.