Lula’s India Visit 2026: Why Brazil’s Largest-Ever Delegation Matters

As India hosts the AI Impact Summit 2026, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrives with his largest-ever delegation—ministers, CEOs, and momentum in tow. This isn’t ceremonial optics. It’s strategic choreography.

When is President Lula visiting India?

President Lula will be on a State Visit to India from February 18 to 22, 2026, with key engagements scheduled between February 19 and 21.

Why is this visit significant?

Because Lula is leading the largest-ever Brazilian delegation to India, accompanied by several ministers and top CEOs. The scale of the delegation underscores a clear intent to elevate ties in technology, trade and strategic cooperation.

What’s the highlight of the visit?

The bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula on February 21 are expected to be the centrepiece. The two leaders will review the full spectrum of the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership and identify new pathways for collaboration.

What sectors are on the table?

Discussions are expected to span trade and investment, defence, energy including renewables, agriculture, health and pharmaceuticals, critical minerals and rare earth materials, science and technology, innovation, Digital Public Infrastructure and artificial intelligence, space cooperation and people-to-people linkages. The agenda stretches from supply chains to satellites, signalling a broad-based strategic push.

How does the AI Impact Summit fit in?

President Lula will participate in the 2nd India AI Impact Summit from February 19 to 20. With both nations investing heavily in digital ecosystems and AI-driven governance models, technology is fast becoming a defining pillar of the partnership.

Is there a business angle?

Yes. A high-level delegation of Brazilian CEOs will attend a Business Forum during the visit. The presence of industry leaders signals an effort to accelerate trade flows, investment partnerships and commercial integration between the two economies.

What about global politics?

India and Brazil share common positions on several international issues, including UN reforms, climate change, combating terrorism, reformed multilateralism, global governance and strengthening the voice of the Global South. The leaders are expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, reinforcing coordination across multilateral platforms.

Who else will President Lula meet?

During the visit, President Lula is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will also host a lunch in his honour. President Droupadi Murmu will host a banquet, while Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are also expected to call on him. The itinerary reflects the full weight of state protocol.

How often has Lula visited India?

This will be his sixth visit to India. He first came in 2004 as the Republic Day Guest of Honour and most recently attended the G20 Summit in September 2023. The two leaders have also met frequently, including during Prime Minister Modi’s State Visit to Brazil in July 2025, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 57 years.

What’s the bigger picture?

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit is expected to chart a forward-looking agenda to strengthen the bilateral Strategic Partnership and deepen cooperation across bilateral, regional and global platforms. At stake is not just diplomacy, but alignment in technology, trade architecture and global influence.

(With inputs from ANI)