The inaugural India-Brazil 2+2 Dialogue, involving the Foreign and Defence Ministries of both nations, marked a significant step towards enhancing the strategic partnership between India and Brazil.
A focal point of discussion was the collaborative effort towards bolstering military capabilities, particularly through the joint production of the C390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft (MTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer’s collaboration with the Mahindra Group underscores this commitment.
With Brazil’s robust defence industrial base seeking local collaborations in India, the maiden 2+2 dialogue delved into avenues for mutual growth and cooperation. The first ever India-Brazil 2+2 Dialogue was at the level of Additional Secretary/ Joint Secretary.
Discussions spanned various strategic dimensions, including freedom of navigation, countering piracy threats, and strengthening ties in South East Asia.
Emphasizing Brazil’s status as a strategic partner, officials highlighted the dialogue’s role in fortifying defence cooperation and fostering broader bilateral ties.
Beyond counterterrorism, both countries explored avenues for cooperation in energy, critical minerals, technology, and counterterrorism. The dialogue, co-chaired by high-ranking officials from both sides, reflected the shared commitment to deepen bilateral relations across various domains.
The dialogue in Delhi, was co-chaired by Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs GV Srinivas and Joint Secretary Ministry of Defence Vishwesh Negi. The Brazilian delegation was led by Director at Brazilian foreign ministry Marcelo Camara and Rear Admiral Fernando de Luca Marques de Oliviera.
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Official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said: “Brazil, is a strategic partner for us. The idea of 2 + 2 dialogue is to give a further boost to India-Brazil strategic partnership. And to also strengthen our defence cooperation.”
Adding, “Already there are several things that are happening including military exercises and there are ongoing conversations regarding joint production, trade, etc.”
The two countries on Thursday also explored ways to expand cooperation in areas of energy, critical minerals, technology and counter-terrorism.
On the social media X (formerly Twitter) Jaiswal said the talks spanned various key areas of cooperation. “Discussions spanned defence, space, energy, critical minerals, tech, counter-terrorism and regional, multilateral & other issues of mutual interest,” he said on ‘X’.
Additionally, the presence of major Brazilian defence companies in India, engaged in joint ventures for small arms and ammunition production, underscores the tangible progress in defence collaboration.
Discussions also encompassed cooperation in submarine repair and maintenance, as well as technical training initiatives, signaling a comprehensive approach towards strengthening defence ties between India and Brazil.
