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First Post
06-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
How India-Brazil defence partnership has deepened under PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Brazil today (July 6) where he will attend the Brics Summit. Modi is also set to meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (July 8). The men will likely discuss deepening cooperation on a wide range of issues, including energy and defence. But how have India and Brazil's defence ties deepened during the Modi years? Let's take a closer look read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-nation tour continues. Modi is in Brazil today (July 6) where he will attend the Brics Summit. Modi is also set to meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (July 8). All eyes will be on the two men, who will likely discuss deepening cooperation on a wide-range of issues including energy and defence. Modi's five-nation trip, which began in Ghana on July 2, will wrap up in Namibia on July 10. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Modi's five-nation tour, his longest diplomatic foray in nearly a decade, will see him visit Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. But what do we know about the lesser-known but crucial strategic relationship with Brazil? How has the defence relationship between India and Brazil deepened in the Modi years? Let's take a closer look: India-Brazil defence relationship India and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948. The two countries originally signed a defence agreement in 2003. The relationship was elevated to that of a strategic partnership since 2006. The countries also established the Joint Defence Committee (JDC) as a mechanism to increase cooperation. During the Modi years, meetings of the JDC have been held regularly. In all, seven such meetings have been held since its inception – the last such gathering in 2021. Meanwhile, high-level defence delegations have visited each other in 2022, 2023 and 2024. They have also established several mechanisms to improve bilateral relations. This includes Joint Commission Meeting (Foreign Minister level), Strategic Dialogue (NSA), Foreign Office Consultations (Secretary), and Joint Defence Commission. The 2nd Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) was held in Brasilia in June 2023. The medium-range Akash air defence system is in service with the Indian Army and Air Force. (Photo: BEL) Last year, the 2+2 political-military dialogue held its first meeting. India and Brazil have seen visits of over a dozen high-level and defence delegations. This includes high-level defence officials from both sides, such as India's Chief of Air Staff visiting Brazil and Brazil's Air Force Commander, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz, coming to India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In August, Brazilian Navy Commander, Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, made a five-day official visit to India. India-Brazil potential for military platforms The two countries have much to gain by cooperating when it comes to developing military platforms. Brazil's defence budget in 2024 was $25 billion. It has the world's 11th-largest army. India, meanwhile, has a defence budget of $74 billion. It has the world's second-largest standing army. India's defence exports surged to $2.76 billion in 2025. This was a 12 per cent increase over the previous year. In 2013-2014, defence exports were at Rs 686 crore. That's a massive 34-fold increase. The country is aiming to increase its defence exports to 5.84 billion (Rs 50,000 crore) by 2029. Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing several defence items from India. This includes the Akash air defence system, a medium-range, surface-to-air missile system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, which displayed an outstanding performance during Operation Sindoor, India's Scorpene Class submarines and Garuda artillery guns. P Kumaran, Secretary (East) of India's Ministry of External Affairs, P Kumaran, said the defence system would be discussed during Modi's trip. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil has also displayed interest in purchasing India's Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. PTI 'There's going to be talk on defence cooperation, avenues for joint research, and training,' Kumaran said. 'They (the Brazilian government) are interested in secure communications systems on the battlefield, offshore patrol vessels, partnership for maintaining their Scorpene-class submarines, Akash air defence system, coastal surveillance system and Garuda artillery guns,' Kumaran added. An MoU for Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) to maintain the submarines could be on the agenda. 'They are also interested in the Akash Air Defence system, coastal surveillance systems, and Garuda artillery guns. They are also interested in manufacturing defence industries in a joint venture with us and joint R&D and co-development systems,' he added. Brazil could also buy Offshore Patrol Vessels from MDL. Brazil has also displayed interest in purchasing India's Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. 'According to our rules, we should have not less than two and not more than three kinds of fighter aircraft. Currently, we have the F-5 and the Gripen, but after 2030, we will need maybe two more kinds as the F-5 goes. So, while the Gripen remains, the Tejas is one of the options for our second or third fighter plane,' Damasceno was quoted as saying. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brazil is also looking at Indian helicopters and drones – the latter of which could involve a transfer of technology. 'We have seven squadrons of 12 helicopters each, and we are looking for more, perhaps 24 new choppers,' Damasceno added. 'We will consider Indian helicopters,' he added. The next-generation BrahMos supersonic missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is also on Brazil's radar. A senior defence official told Financial Express, 'For Brazil, the BrahMos-NG can be a suitable choice for their new Gripen aircraft. The new system is designed for a wide range of fighter aircraft platforms with best-in-class specifications.' Kumaran also said the countries could launch a joint venture through Brazil's aerospace firm Embraer. The firm has designed the C-390 Millennium, a multi-role transport aircraft, which India could look to acquire as part of its own efforts to upgrade the Indian Air Force. The next-generation BrahMos supersonic missile, jointly developed by India and Russia, is also on Brazil's radar.. Representational image: Wikimedia Commons There are reports that Embraer could join hands with Mahindra to jointly manufacture the C-390 in India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Compared with the C-130 (an American plane noted for its ruggedness), the C-390 is faster and carries at least as much load. We are offering this to India, and the MOUs with Mahindra are already done. So far, its serviceability level is over 97 per cent,' Damasceno added. 'The Indian Air Force does need medium transport aircraft,' he added. Brazilian firms Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) and Taurus Armas are already in joint ventures with Indian firms when it comes to small arms and ammunition production. What do experts say? They say Modi's visit is just the latest sign of deep trust between the two democratic powers. A piece in Financial Express stated that Brazil is currently trying to reinvent its defence strategy for the modern age, while seeking stronger strategic alliances. India, they say, is a critical partner to its growing defence ambitions. India's ambassador Reddy was quoted as saying, 'Defence cooperation has become a cornerstone of our strategic relationship.' Major-Brigadier Rui Chagas Mesquita, Secretary of Brazilian Defence Products, was quoted as saying by EurAsia Times, 'When we look at India, we seek to work together so that we can also jointly develop finished products and use Brazil as a hub for selling these commonly developed products in the Latin American market.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
India Gazette
03-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
India-Ghana signs MoUs boosting cooperation in health and culture
Accra (Ghana), July 3 (ANI): India and Ghana signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as culture, health, standardisation, and institutional dialogue. The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra. Addressing a press briefing after the meeting, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said the MoUs covered cultural exchange, traditional medicine, standards collaboration, and the establishment of a Joint Commission. 'After the delegation-level talks, there was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding, one to establish the Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Office level. Second is traditional medicine, where there is scope for both sides to exchange expert training. The third is the cultural exchange programme, where there's hope that this will encourage cultural exchanges and tourism. The fourth one is in the area of standard setting,' he said. The four Memoranda of Understanding signed between India and Ghana include a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), aimed at promoting greater cultural understanding and exchanges in the fields of art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. The second MoU, signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), seeks to enhance cooperation in standardisation, certification, and conformity assessment. The third agreement was signed between the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India, to facilitate collaboration in traditional medicine education, training, and research. The fourth MoU relates to the Joint Commission Meeting, which aims to institutionalise high-level dialogue and ensure regular reviews of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Secretary Dammu Ravi also confirmed that Prime Minister Modi had agreed to support Ghana in the field of agriculture. 'Ghanaian President Mahama mentioned during the discussions that he sought India's cooperation in the area of agriculture... The entrepreneurs to be able to develop Ghana as a food basket and provide food security to its people. PM Modi had agreed to support Ghana in this endeavour,' he said. The two leaders also discussed boosting cooperation in pharmaceuticals, with a focus on enhancing vaccine production capacity in Ghana. 'The second item was in the area of pharma and vaccines. President Mahama is interested in creating Ghana a hub for vaccines. Some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance. He wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in the pharma and vaccines, where India has advanced its capacity,' Ravi added. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. The visit is expected to significantly deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal India's continued engagement with Africa and the Global South. (ANI)
United News of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- United News of India
My bilateral talks with President Mahama were extremely fruitful: PM Modi in Accra
Accra/New Delhi, July 3 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his bilateral talks with Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama were extremely fruitful and the two nations have elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. In a post on X, after holding talks with President Mahama in the Jubilee House in Accra, the PM posted: 'The talks with President John Dramani Mahama were extremely fruitful. 'We have elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, which will be beneficial for the people of our nations. 'We discussed ways to improve trade and economic linkages. Cooperation in FinTech, skill development, healthcare and other such sectors were also deliberated upon.' The two nations inked four MoUs after the talks, besides announcing elevation of the ties to a Comprehensive Partnership The MoUS included: -MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): To promote greater cultural understanding and exchanges in art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. -MoU between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & Ghana Standards Authority (GSA): Aimed at enhancing cooperation in standardization, certification, and conformity assessment. -MoU between Institute of Traditional & Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana and Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India: To collaborate in traditional medicine education, training, and research. -MoU on Joint Commission Meeting: To institutionalize high-level dialogue and review bilateral cooperation mechanisms on a regular basis. The MEA spokesperson said in a post on the talks: 'PM @narendramodi held wide-ranging talks with President @JDMahama of Ghana at the iconic Jubilee House, Ghana. 'Both leaders reaffirmed the warm and time-tested ties between India and Ghana, and discussed ways to expand cooperation in key areas including trade & investment, capacity building, defence & security, digital technology, UPI, agriculture, Pharma, mining, infrastructure and people-to-people ties. 'The leaders agreed to elevate the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership. They reiterated their commitment to democratic values, Global South solidarity, South-South cooperation, and a shared vision for sustainable development & global peace.' Secretary ER, Dammu Ravi, briefing media persons on the talks, said the two leaders first had a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation level talks during which they reviewed the wide spectrum of the bilateral relations. Both the leaders acknowledged that this is a historic visit for the fact that this is taking place at the Prime Minister level from India after 30 years. 'President Mahama clearly acknowledged that it is a landmark visit that is very timely and very opportunistic at a time when Ghana is also looking for partnership with India to deepen economic engagement after its own economic rebound, recovery that it is facing having gone through the IMF conditionalities and restructuring,' 'A few ideas and proposals that President Mahama had mentioned during the discussions were cooperation in the area of agriculture; where he sought India's support, the entrepreneurs to be able to develop Ghana as a food basket, provide food security to its people. And Prime Minister Modi has agreed to support Ghana in this endeavor. 'The second item was in the area of pharma and vaccines. President Mahama is very clearly interested to create Ghana a hub for vaccines, and some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance and in that context, he wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in the pharma and vaccines where India clearly has advanced its capacities. 'The third area is in the area of defense cooperation. Here again there are concerns for Ghana in terms of security, terrorism from the northern region, the Sahel region and the piracy in the seas are of concern. 'There is clear interest to have India's support in terms of support of the equipment, training of the personnel and to be able to source equipment from India which has now become very clearly a leader in defense exports. 'There was also concern for the way terrorism is affecting the world. President Mahama clearly expressed solidarity with India. He condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, and he was very clear and unequivocal in his support for India and the solidarity in the fight against terrorism. Both leaders also discussed the idea of cooperation in the area of critical minerals where President Mahama has offered India to collaborate in harnessing the critical minerals with India's investments and also processing capacities,' On Thursday, PM Modi is to pay homage to the first President of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who is highly respected and regarded also in India because of a longstanding friendship with India since the 60s. Prime Minister will address the Parliament of Ghana and also address the diaspora. UNI RN
India Today
03-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
India, Ghana ink key pacts during PM Modi's visit, aim to double trade in 5 years
India and Ghana on Wednesday elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership during a historic visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in 30 the visit, PM Modi reaffirmed that India is a co-traveller in Ghana;s development journey. PM Modi met with Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama and held wide-ranging two leaders agreed to double trade in the next five years, strengthen defence ties and boost cooperation in areas like digital payments, healthcare, culture and critical minerals. "Indian companies have invested nearly two billion dollars in about 900 projects. Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade in the next five years," PM Modi said in a media statement."In the field of FinTech, India is ready to share its experience of UPI digital payments with Ghana," he the PM Modi's historic visit, the nations signed four key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs):The first was a Cultural Exchange Programme, which will help both countries share and learn more about each other's art, music, dance, literature and second agreement was between the Bureau of Indian Standards and the Ghana Standards Authority to work together on improving product standards, quality checks and third deal focused on traditional medicine, where India and Ghana will work together on education, training and research in this fourth agreement set up a Joint Commission Meeting, which will allow both countries to hold regular high-level talks to review and improve their two leaders also discussed a wide range of global and regional challenges, including terrorism. The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, while recognising it as a common threat to the area of defence and security, India is committed to supporting Ghana through training programs and the provision of defence equipment. During the visit, PM Modi also assured India's assistance on the economic front and pledged to help Ghana boost its agriculture sector in order to achieve food India pledged support for Ghana's ambition to become a regional hub for vaccine production. Modi also reaffirmed India's strong backing for the Global South and welcomed the African Union's inclusion in the G20 during India's the prime minister was also conferred with 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the country's national honour, for his "distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership". PM Narendra Modi received the honour from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.- Ends
India Gazette
03-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
India, Ghana sign 4 MoUs to boost cooperation in culture, health, standards and diplomacy
Accra (Ghana), July 3 (ANI): India and Ghana signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation in key areas such as culture, health, standardisation, and institutional dialogue. The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra. Addressing a press briefing after the meeting, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said the MoUs covered cultural exchange, traditional medicine, standards collaboration, and the establishment of a Joint Commission. 'After the delegation-level talks, there was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding, one to establish the Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Office level. Second is traditional medicine, where there is scope for both sides to exchange expert training. The third is the cultural exchange programme, where there's hope that this will encourage cultural exchanges and tourism. The fourth one is in the area of standard setting,' he said. The four Memoranda of Understanding signed between India and Ghana include a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), aimed at promoting greater cultural understanding and exchanges in the fields of art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. The second MoU, signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), seeks to enhance cooperation in standardisation, certification, and conformity assessment. The third agreement was signed between the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India, to facilitate collaboration in traditional medicine education, training, and research. The fourth MoU relates to the Joint Commission Meeting, which aims to institutionalise high-level dialogue and ensure regular reviews of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Secretary Dammu Ravi also confirmed that Prime Minister Modi had agreed to support Ghana in the field of agriculture. 'Ghanaian President Mahama mentioned during the discussions that he sought India's cooperation in the area of agriculture... The entrepreneurs to be able to develop Ghana as a food basket and provide food security to its people. PM Modi had agreed to support Ghana in this endeavour,' he said. The two leaders also discussed boosting cooperation in pharmaceuticals, with a focus on enhancing vaccine production capacity in Ghana. 'The second item was in the area of pharma and vaccines. President Mahama is interested in creating Ghana a hub for vaccines. Some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance. He wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in the pharma and vaccines, where India has advanced its capacity,' Ravi added. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. The visit is expected to significantly deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal India's continued engagement with Africa and the Global South. (ANI)
