India and Brazil are poised to enhance cooperation on critical minerals and artificial intelligence, aiming to process minerals and advocate for inclusive AI development. President Lula da Silva is set to meet Prime Minister Modi to discuss a framework agreement, strengthening their influence in shaping global technology and supply chains. Lula will hold bilateral talks with Modi after attending the AI Summit in New Delhi, reflecting the two nations’ efforts to position themselves as leaders for the developing world amidst a fragile global order. Both countries seek to enter into processing of critical minerals, challenging China’s dominance in extraction and processing, while advocating for people-centric, open-source AI models.
The visit of Lula to India comes at a time when emerging economies are seeking greater influence over global technologies and supply chains, aiming to counterbalance the rivalry between the US and China. The cooperative efforts between Brazil and India in critical minerals and AI could empower developing nations to have a stronger voice in the development and regulation of these technologies. Through closer ties, the two countries are also working towards reducing ‘non-tariff barriers’ to boost trade and commercial engagements, as seen in their recent agreement focusing on defense, energy, and food security.
India and Brazil are pushing for a more inclusive global debate on AI, emphasizing the importance of democratizing access to AI technology and safeguarding against issues such as disinformation and algorithmic bias. Modi highlighted India’s potential as a hub for affordable AI during the summit, while Lula stressed the need for a governance framework that includes voices from developing nations. This partnership aims to promote information integrity and protect creative industries, advocating for regulations that safeguard human rights in the digital sphere.
The discussions between Brazil and India hold significance not only for their countries but also for the broader international community, as they aim to influence how emerging economies coordinate on rare earth processing and AI regulation in multilateral forums. By advocating for a more inclusive approach to AI development, the two nations are challenging the existing geopolitical divides and striving for a more equitable distribution of technological resources. As members of G-20 and BRICS, India and Brazil will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the global technological landscape and fostering innovation on a global scale.
