India and Brazil sign deals relating to combating terrorism and transnational crimes

New Delhi (India) July 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an indirect reference to Pakistan and its all-weather partner China on Tuesday when he declared that India and Brazil "strongly oppose terrorism and those who support it." He also added that "double standards on terrorism are unacceptable."

PM Modi said, "Our thinking on the fight against terrorism is aligned - zero-tolerance and zero-double standards" during a joint press statement with Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva.

According to Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the two leaders discussed a wide range of topics during the meeting, including trade and investment, defence and security, health and pharmaceuticals, space, renewable energy, food and energy security, infrastructure development, digital public infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties.

He added that they set a bilateral trade goal of USD 20 billion over the next five years and looked into opportunities for cooperation in the new fields of vital minerals, new and emerging technologies, AI & supercomputers, digital collaboration & mobility. 

According to MEA Secretary (East) P Kumaran, two Memorandums of Understanding were also signed: one on collaboration in renewable energy and the other on cooperation for the sharing of effective large-scale digital solutions for digital transformation. 

He said, "After the delegation-level talks, there was a signing and exchange of MoUs and agreements. Three agreements were signed today and exchanged in front of the President and the Prime Minister. These were the agreements on cooperation in combating international terrorism and transnational organised crime, an MoU on cooperation for the sharing of successful large-scale digital solutions for digital transformation, MoU on cooperation in renewable energy.”

According to the MEA Secretary, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President Lula at the meeting for expressing solidarity with the Indian people and criticising the April 22 Pahalgam incident, which left 26 people dead and numerous others injured.

Kumaran said, "On security and terrorism, the Prime Minister thanked President Lula for expressing firm condemnation and extending support and solidarity to the people of India in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack on the 22nd of April that killed 26 innocent citizens. The Prime Minister also reaffirmed that India stands firm in its resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. President Lula expressed his full support in the fight against the menace of terrorism.”

The Grand Collar of National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil's highest civilian honour, was presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

The award was given by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in recognition of PM Modi's significant attempts to improve India-Brazil collaboration on important international platforms and strengthen bilateral ties.”

After attending the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro, PM Modi came here on a state visit and said that his visit would strengthen ties between the two countries.

Earlier, the Alvorada Palace in Brasilia hosted a lavish ceremonial greeting for PM Modi that included a special 114-horse procession. During his reception, he also saw a performance of Indian traditional bhajan.

Aadrika Tayal