Brazil, India discuss critical minerals deal during leaders’ meeting

Narendra Modi and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva -(Web Desk) – Narendra Modi and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held important discussions in New Delhi on Saturday, focusing on expanding cooperation in critical minerals and rare earth elements. These resources are essential for modern technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, aircraft engines, and defense systems.

Brazil has the world’s second-largest reserves of these valuable minerals, making it a key potential partner. Meanwhile, India is working to reduce its reliance on China, which currently dominates global rare earth production. India is increasing its own mining and recycling efforts while also looking for trusted international suppliers.

President Lula arrived earlier this week with a large delegation that included ministers and business representatives for a global summit. During his visit, he received a ceremonial welcome and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi before meeting Modi.

Both leaders are expected to sign a memorandum on mineral cooperation and explore ways to strengthen trade relations. Trade between the two countries has already crossed $15 billion in 2025, and both sides aim to increase it to $20 billion by 2030. Their growing partnership reflects a shared effort to secure reliable mineral sources and deepen economic ties.

Rishabh Jain, an expert with the Delhi-based Council on Energy, Environment and Water think tank, said India’s growing cooperation with Brazil on critical minerals complements recent supply chain engagements with the United States, France and the European Union.

Honoured to call on President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil @LulaOficial, visiting India on a State Visit.

Deeply appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance on advancing our Strategic Partnership.

Confident that his meetings with PM @narendramodi later today will… pic.twitter.com/mypMAR9qlz

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2026

While these partnerships grant India access to advanced technologies, finance and high-end processing capabilities, “Global South alliances are critical for securing diversified, on-ground resource access and shaping emerging rules of global trade,” Jain said.

Modi and Lula are also expected to discuss global economic headwinds and strains on multilateral trade systems after both of their countries were hit by US tariffs in 2025, prompting the two leaders to call for stronger cooperation.

Washington has since pledged to roll back duties on Indian goods under a trade deal announced earlier this month.

“Lula and Modi will have the opportunity to exchange views on… the challenges to multilateralism and international trade,” said Brazilian diplomat Susan Kleebank, the secretary for Asia and the Pacific.

Brazil is India’s biggest partner in Latin America.

Key Brazilian exports to India include sugar, crude oil, vegetable oils, cotton and iron ore.

Demand for iron ore has been driven by rapid infrastructure expansion and industrial growth in India, which is on track to become the world’s fourth largest economy.

India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said he is confident that Lula’s talks with Modi “will impart a new momentum to our ties”.

“Deeply appreciate his warm sentiments and guidance on advancing our strategic partnership,” he said in a post on X on Saturday.

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Brazilian firms are also expanding in the country, with Embraer and Adani Group announcing plans last month to build aircraft in India.

Lula addressed the AI Impact summit in Delhi on Thursday, calling for a multilateral and inclusive global governance framework for artificial intelligence.

He will travel on to South Korea for meetings with President Lee Jae Myung and to attend a business forum.