Brazil & India: Critical Minerals Deal & Strengthening Ties

New Delhi – Brazil and India have signed a significant agreement focused on collaboration in the supply of critical minerals and rare earth elements, marking a deepening of strategic ties between the two nations. The agreement, formalized during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s official visit to India, aims to secure access to essential resources for both countries’ growing economies and technological advancements. This partnership comes as global competition for these vital materials intensifies.

The deal builds on a period of increasing trade between Brazil and India, which reached a record US$15 billion in 2025, a growth rate exceeding 25% compared to the previous year. Beyond minerals, the collaboration extends to key sectors including pharmaceuticals, aviation, and space engineering, signaling a broad-based effort to enhance economic cooperation. The agreement underscores Brazil’s commitment to diversifying its partnerships and securing its position in the global supply chain for critical resources.

ApexBrasil Expands International Presence with New Delhi Office

Coinciding with President Lula’s visit, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) inaugurated its first office in New Delhi on February 20, 2026. This marks the agency’s 11th international location, adding to existing offices in cities like Bogotá, Miami, Brussels, and Shanghai. The new office is intended to facilitate increased trade and investment flows between Brazil and India, providing on-the-ground support for Brazilian companies seeking to expand into the Indian market and vice versa. According to ApexBrasil President Jorge Viana, the move represents a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, with the potential to reach $100 billion in trade volume.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Lula and several ministers, highlighting the importance of this initiative. Invest RS, the investment promotion agency of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, also participated in the event, signaling a regional focus on strengthening ties with India. The opening of the New Delhi office is part of a broader strategy by ApexBrasil to expand its global reach and support Brazilian businesses in accessing new markets.

Areas of Focus: From Pharmaceuticals to Space Technology

President Lula emphasized the complementary strengths of the two nations, pointing to India’s expertise in pharmaceutical production and Brazil’s capabilities in aviation. He stated the need for increased partnership in these areas, as well as in space engineering. The agreement on critical minerals is expected to be a cornerstone of this expanded cooperation, addressing growing global demand for resources essential to the production of electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics. The Brazil-India Economic Forum, held in conjunction with the visit, provided a platform for discussing these opportunities and challenges.

The forum addressed key themes including energy transition and security, food security, the pharmaceutical industry, and new technologies. The event, organized by ApexBrasil, the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), brought together authorities, business leaders, and representatives from strategic sectors to explore potential investment areas.

Brazil Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Peace

During his visit, President Lula also reiterated Brazil’s commitment to maintaining South America as a zone of peace. This statement underscores Brazil’s diplomatic efforts to promote stability and cooperation in the region, even as it strengthens its economic ties with other global powers. The visit to India is part of a broader diplomatic push by the Lula administration to diversify Brazil’s international relationships and assert its role as a key player on the world stage.

The agreement on critical minerals and the opening of the ApexBrasil office in New Delhi represent concrete steps towards realizing this vision. As both countries navigate a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, this strengthened partnership is poised to yield significant economic and strategic benefits.

Looking ahead, the implementation of the mineral agreement and the operationalization of the ApexBrasil office will be crucial in fostering deeper economic integration. Further discussions are expected on specific projects and investment opportunities in the coming months, with a focus on translating the commitments made during President Lula’s visit into tangible results. The success of this partnership will depend on continued collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in both Brazil and India.

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