Strategic convergence for mutual benefit

In the glare of high-profile trade deals, it is easy to miss the relatively new India-Brazil strategic partnership. Though Brazil was the first Latin American country to establish diplomatic ties with independent India, it took more than 50 yrs to recognise the potential. The evolving relationship is emblematic of their changing economic fortunes and approach to the world. President Lula's 6th visit to India, which begins today, marks another step change.

India and Brazil are middle powers that want a bigger role on the world stage. At first glance, this may cast them as competitors, but a closer assessment reveals that India and Brazil are, in fact, complementary powers in a world seeking alternatives to both old and emerging hegemons. The proposed agreements on pharma, critical minerals, civil aviation, expansion of trade and investment, and easing visa systems underpin their complementarity. The partnership leverages their strengths to fulfil their economic and development goals and achieving their ambition for greater global say. Fierce advocates of multilateralism, India and Brazil have been strong voices for UN reform, working closely within the developing country bloc, G77 + China, and as founding members of BRICS and the advanced developing countries quartet, BASIC.

More recently, there have been greater opportunities for partnership, with Brazil taking over from India as G20 president and vice versa for BRICS. This has created opportunities for developing synergies and convergences in approaching critical issues at a moment of immense geopolitical churning. It is now for the two complementary middle powers to enhance their engagement, stepping up the partnership that could, in time, add another dimension to global trade and engagement.