Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, invited by PM Modi, will visit India from February 18 following reciprocal tariffs imposed by US President Trump. An advocate for stronger economic ties, Lula will attend the AI Impact Summit from February 19-20, followed by bilateral talks with Modi on February 21. Discussions will encompass regional and global cooperation, including reformed global governance and issues concerning the Global South. The visit aims to bolster the strategic partnership between the nations across various platforms.

Accompanied by 14 ministers and CEOs, Lula will engage in trade discussions, reflecting the countries’ growing economic ties. Both countries witnessed a 25% increase in two-way trade in 2025, reaching $15.21 billion. Cooperation is also planned in defense, technology, health, pharmaceuticals, energy, rare earth materials, DPI, AI, and space exploration. An agreement between the navies for submarine maintenance was signed in December.

Considering Lula’s focus on Brazil’s upcoming election, this visit is crucial, as he may not attend the BRICS summit later this year. This marks Lula’s sixth visit to India since 2004 when he first arrived as the Republic Day celebrations’ chief guest. In return, Modi visited Brazil in 2025, marking the first state visit by an Indian PM in 57 years.