Lula's 4th term offers push to India-Brazil ties

New Delhi: Former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's fourth term in office is set to strengthen India-Brazil relations, thanks to the 80-year-old leader's personal commitment to furthering cooperation with New Delhi. Lula, affectionately known as Lula, has long been a proponent of India and has shown a keen interest in deepening ties with New Delhi, particularly in the context of Global South solidarity and the need for UN Security Council reforms that would grant India and Brazil permanent seats at the table.

Recently, Brazil's NSA Celso Amorim paid a low-key visit to New Delhi shortly after the BRICS Summit in September to further solidify strategic ties.

Lula's dedication to the Global South and multipolar world order is evident in his support for India's aspirations. Brazil is one of India's closest partners in the BRICS group, sharing a similar outlook on addressing international challenges. Lula's adept handling of US tariffs demonstrates his diplomatic approach to confronting major global powers.

Lula and the current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi share a close rapport, as evidenced by Modi's public praise for Lula as a "dear friend" and congratulations on his re-election.

During Lula's state visit to India in February 2023, several significant initiatives were launched, including the exploration of Brazil's abundant rare earth elements, which could bolster India's growth. Brazil is estimated to possess 21 million tonnes of rare earth elements, equivalent to about a quarter of global reserves, along with substantial reserves of graphite, niobium, nickel, lithium, and copper.