PM Modi receives call from Brazilian President Lula; AI Summit, UN reform discussed
Washington, Jan 23
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said during a telephone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that he intends to attend the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi next month. The two leaders aligned on Global South priorities and pressed for United Nations Security Council reform ahead of their bilateral summit scheduled for February in India.
The call lasted about 45 minutes and focused on preparations for President Lula's State Visit to India from February 19 to 21, according to an official readout issued by the Brazilian presidency. During the call, Lula conveyed his interest in participating in the Artificial Intelligence Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi from February 16 to 20.
PM Modi and President Lula reviewed the agenda for the visit and agreed to push cooperation across key sectors. These include defense, trade, health, science and technology, energy, biofuels, critical minerals, and rare earths.
Both sides said these areas would be given priority as India and Brazil seek to expand strategic and economic ties.
"President Lula indicated his intention to participate in the Artificial Intelligence Summit. On the bilateral agenda, the two leaders agreed to prioritize cooperation in the areas of defense, trade, health, science and technology, energy, biofuels, critical minerals, and rare earths," the readout said.
The leaders also underlined the importance of the Brazil-India Business Forum, scheduled for February 21 during Lula's visit, and welcomed participation by private sector representatives from both countries.
"Both leaders highlighted the importance of the Brazil-India Business Forum, to be held on the 21st, and welcomed the engagement of the private sector from both countries in the visit," the readout said.
The statement added that President Lula referred to the inauguration of the ApexBrasil Office in New Delhi during the State Visit.
The two leaders also exchanged views on the global situation. The readout said they reaffirmed their conviction on the "need for comprehensive reform" of the United Nations and its Security Council.
"In this regard, they reiterated their commitment to peace in Gaza and, more broadly, to the defense of peace worldwide, multilateralism, and democracy," the statement said.
India and Brazil have expanded cooperation in recent years across trade, energy, technology, and multilateral forums. Both countries work closely in groupings such as BRICS and have often coordinated positions on issues affecting developing economies.
The two nations have also been vocal advocates of reforming global institutions. They argue that emerging powers must play a greater role in global decision-making, particularly at the United Nations.
Lula's planned participation in the AI Impact Summit, scheduled for February 16-20, is expected to reinforce India's effort to position New Delhi as a platform for global discussions on artificial intelligence, with a focus on development-oriented and Global South perspectives.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone working in tech, I'm thrilled India is hosting this AI Summit. Focusing on development and the Global South perspective is crucial. Hope it leads to concrete partnerships in critical minerals and tech with Brazil.
UN Security Council reform has been discussed for decades. While it's good that our leaders are pushing for it, I'll believe it when I see it. The permanent members won't give up their power easily. Still, India and Brazil must keep the pressure on.
Defence and trade cooperation with Brazil is a smart move. We need strong partners beyond our immediate neighbourhood. The Business Forum is key – hope our MSMEs get good opportunities from this visit.
The focus on biofuels and rare earths is forward-thinking. Both countries have vast resources and technical knowledge. This partnership could reduce dependency on a few dominant suppliers in the global market.
Good to see the mention of peace in Gaza. Global South nations like India and Brazil have a moral responsibility and a unique perspective to advocate for peaceful solutions in such conflicts. Hope this diplomacy yields results.
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