Published: 21 February 2026MEA / Business Standard / The Diplomat / Al JazeeraInternational
India-Brazil Sign Critical Minerals Pact, Set $20 Billion Trade Target; President Lula Concludes State Visit
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva concluded his State Visit to India (February 18–22, 2026) with a landmark bilateral summit with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The two leaders signed a total of 10 agreements spanning critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure, steel supply chains, and MSMEs.
The centrepiece of the summit was a preliminary Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Cooperation Agreement — significant because Brazil holds the world's second-largest reserves of rare earth elements, essential for electric vehicles, solar panels, smartphones, and guided missiles. PM Modi called the pact 'a major step towards building resilient supply chains.' India and Brazil also set a bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion annually within five years, with Lula pushing for an ambitious USD 30 billion target by 2030. Bilateral trade in 2025 stood at USD 15.21 billion, a 25.5% increase over 2024.
Both leaders called for a comprehensive overhaul of the UN Security Council, including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats. PM Modi also expressed satisfaction that India and Brazil are establishing a Centre of Excellence for Digital Public Infrastructure in Brazil. The visit, described as a milestone in India's Global South diplomacy, deepens the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the world's two largest democracies.
0Mains angle
Q: Assess the significance of the India-Brazil Critical Minerals Pact and 20 billion dollar bilateral trade target set during President Lula's February 2026 State Visit.
Answer (50 words):
President Lula's February 18-22, 2026 State Visit produced ten agreements spanning critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, digital public infrastructure and MSMEs. Brazil, holding the world's second-largest rare earth reserves, signed a preliminary minerals pact. Both set a 20 billion dollar trade target within five years, up from 15.21 billion dollars in 2025.
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Linked questionMedium
Which key agreement was signed between India and Brazil during the February 2026 bilateral summit?
Explanation · Correct answer CIndia and Brazil signed key agreements during President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's February 2026 State Visit, including cooperation in rare earths, critical minerals and mining. The visit also set a target to raise bilateral trade to USD 20 billion within five years, making the minerals pact a notable resource-cooperation outcome.
Frequently asked questions
What were the key outcomes of Brazilian President Lula's State Visit to India in February 2026?
President Lula's State Visit (February 18–22, 2026) concluded with 10 bilateral agreements, including a Critical Minerals Pact, a $20–30 billion bilateral trade target, and calls for UNSC reform, deepening the India-Brazil Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
What is the significance of the Critical Minerals Pact signed between India and Brazil?
The Critical Minerals Pact is significant because Brazil is richly endowed with critical minerals needed for India's clean energy and technology sectors. The pact ensures India's supply chain security for critical minerals, reducing dependence on China-dominated global supply chains.
What is the India-Brazil relationship in the context of BRICS and the Global South?
Both India and Brazil are founding members of BRICS and co-leaders of the Global South. The two nations coordinate on multilateral platforms and both advocate for UNSC reform to give greater voice to developing nations.
What is the current level of India-Brazil bilateral trade and what target was set during Lula's 2026 visit?
During President Lula's visit in February 2026, both nations set a bilateral trade target of $20–30 billion. Brazil is a major supplier to India of soybean, crude oil, and defence equipment.
What sectors of cooperation were strengthened during President Lula's State Visit to India in 2026?
The visit strengthened cooperation across critical minerals, climate action, agriculture, digital governance, and defence. India and Brazil also elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit.
