Brazil’s Ambassador to India, Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nóbrega, said bilateral trade between the two countries was expected to reach USD 20 bn, as cooperation broadens across critical minerals, defence, energy, pharmaceuticals and artificial intelligence. He made the remarks at an event in New Delhi marking Brazil’s National Day. The ambassador said India and Brazil were entering a new phase of engagement ahead of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations. He noted that India had become Brazil’s fifth-largest trading partner and that negotiations to expand the trade agreement between India and the Southern Common Market, or MERCOSUR, had made concrete progress. Brazilian companies are expanding their presence in India, with aerospace company Embraer identified as a prominent new entrant. Indian investment in Brazil has also grown, with leading Indian companies accounting for an investment stock of USD 10 bn. More than 150 business and technology missions have been exchanged between the countries over the past three years. The two sides are strengthening cooperation in energy, defence, agriculture, healthcare, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence. They have agreed to link efforts on rare earths and critical minerals, while also developing partnerships in pharmaceutical research and innovation and establishing a wider digital partnership. The ambassador said mutual trust had become an important strategic advantage after eight decades of bilateral relations. India and Brazil have also worked closely through BRICS, the G20 and the United Nations. The ambassador praised India’s BRICS leadership and said the countries had maintained close coordination on difficult global issues. Environmental cooperation has expanded after COP30, with Brazil joining India as co-chair of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance. Brazil plans to bring cultural celebrations to India in 2027 marking the 100th birth anniversary of musician Antônio Carlos Jobim.