New Delhi: President of Brazil H.E. Mr. Jair Messias Bolsonaro was paid a State Visit to India from 24-27 January 2020 at the invitation of Prime Minister of India, H.E. Mr. Narendra Modi. President Bolsonaro was the Chief Guest at India’s 71st Republic Day Parade on 26 January 2020. He was accompanied by seven (7) Ministers, Chairman of Brazil-India Friendship Group in the Brazilian Parliament, senior officials and a large business delegation. President Bolsonaro is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on 24 January 2020.
The last Presidential visit from Brazil was by President Michel Temer in October 2016 on the sidelines of the VIII BRICS Summit in Goa. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi recently visited Brasilia to attend the XI BRICS Summit in November 2019.
This is the first State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India. Earlier, we have received President of Brazil as Chief Guest for our Republic Day Parade in 1996 and 2004.
On 25 January 2020, President Bolsonaro met President who hosted a Banquet in his honour and held talks with the Prime Minister. Vice President and the External Affairs Minister was called on President Bolsonaro. On 27 January 2020, President Bolsonaro was addressed Indian and Brazilian Business leaders at the India-Brazil Business Forum.
India and Brazil share a close and multifaceted relationship. Our bilateral relations are based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth of both countries. Bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006, heralding a new phase in India-Brazil relations. The relations are strong not only at the bilateral level, but also at plurilateral fora such as BRICS, IBSA, G-20 and in multilateral bodies particularly the UN.
Bilateral trade between India and Brazil increased to USD 8.2 billion in 2018-19. This included USD 3.8 billion as Indian exports to Brazil and USD 4.4 million as imports by India. Major Indian exports to Brazil include agro-chemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, pharmaceuticals and petroleum products. Brazilian exports to India include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar and bulk mineral and ores.
Indian investments in Brazil were around US$ 6 billion and Brazilian investments in India are estimated at US$ 1 billion in 2018. Brazilian investments in India are mainly in automobiles, IT, mining, energy and biofuels sectors. India has invested in Brazil’s IT, pharmaceutical, energy, agri-business, mining and engineering sectors.
This visit is expected to further enhance and strengthen the multi-faceted ties between India-Brazil.
New Delhi