Parliamentary goodwill delegation boosts diplomatic ties between India and Brazil

In a significant move to enhance the strategic partnership between India and Brazil, a Parliamentary goodwill delegation led by Union minister of parliamentary affairs, coal & mines Pralhad Joshi visited Brazil from 11-13 June, 2023, the ministry of parliamentary affairs said. The visit, commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations, aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and foster cooperation in various fields.

G Srinivas, IAS, secretary, ministry of parliamentary affairs, highlighted the importance of this goodwill delegation, stating, “This marks the first Goodwill Delegation of Parliament, reflecting the deep significance India attaches to its relations with Brazil, a strategic partner since 2006.” The visit underscored the mutual commitment to bolstering the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.

During the visit, the delegation paid homage to the busts of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, symbolizing the shared democratic values and peace between India and Brazil. The busts, situated in the heart of the city parks of Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro, served as a reminder of the enduring bond between the two nations.

On June 13, the delegation held a productive meeting with Rodrigo Otavio Soares Pacheco, the president of the federal senate, the upper house of the Brazilian Parliament. The exchange during the meeting highlighted the growing strategic partnership between India and Brazil, characterized by mutual understanding and cooperation.

Pacheco expressed his gratitude and accepted the invitation from the minister to visit India, leading a delegation of parliamentarians, further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

The delegation also had a significant interaction with Senator Nelson Trad, President of the India-Brazil Friendship Front, and other prominent members of the Front. This engagement laid the groundwork for further deepening the diplomatic ties and promoting collaboration between India and Brazil.

Furthermore, the delegation had a productive meeting with Marcos Pereira, Deputy President of the Congress, and Federal Deputy Vinicius Carvalho, President of the India-Brazil Parliamentary Friendship Group, along with several distinguished members. These discussions aimed to foster closer cooperation and explore avenues for collaboration in various fields of mutual interest.

According to the ministry, both sides expressed satisfaction over the remarkable increase in bilateral trade over the past two years. Bilateral trade surged by an impressive 115%, reaching US$15.20 billion in 2022 from US$7.05 billion in 2020. This emphasis on strategic trade expansion reflects the shared commitment of India and Brazil to forge a mutually beneficial partnership, driving economic development and reinforcing diplomatic ties.

During the course of the visit in both Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, minister Joshi met with members of the Indian community residing in Brazil. He updated them on India’s swift socio-economic development, highlighting the various policy initiatives by the government that have contributed to this progress. The meetings offered an opportunity for community members to better understand and connect with the ongoing growth story of India, further strengthening the bond between the Indian diaspora and their motherland.

Ambassador Suresh Reddy acknowledged the significance of the Parliamentary Goodwill Delegation’s visit, remarking, “This visit marks a significant step in the rich history of India-Brazil bilateral relations. It reinforces our shared commitment to democratic values and paves the way for enhanced collaboration in various fields.” He also expressed his optimism that the visit would facilitate future visits of Parliamentary delegations from the Brazilian Senate and Congress to India, fostering greater cooperation between the two nations.