PM Modi Congratulates Lula on Re-Election, Pledges to Strengthen India-Brazil Cooperation

PM Modi Congratulates Lula on Re-Election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, October 26, 2026, congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election victory, expressing confidence in further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Brazil.

In a message posted on X, Modi described Lula as his "dear friend" and congratulated him on what he called a remarkable electoral victory.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to working closely with the Brazilian leader to deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

Modi also emphasised that the two countries would continue to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, advance the shared priorities of the Global South and work towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world.

What Did PM Modi Say About India-Brazil Relations?

In his congratulatory message, Modi highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed confidence that India and Brazil would build on their existing strategic relationship and expand collaboration across areas of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister's message also highlighted the shared interests of developing countries, particularly their calls for greater representation and participation in international decision-making.

India and Brazil are important partners among the major emerging economies and cooperate on issues relating to international trade, economic development, climate change and global governance.

Lula Wins Another Presidential Term

Lula secured re-election after defeating Liberal Party candidate Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil's presidential runoff on Sunday.

According to the reported official vote tally, with 99.89% of votes counted, Lula received approximately 51.78% of the valid votes, compared with 48.23% for Flávio Bolsonaro.

The result marked another significant electoral victory for the veteran Brazilian leader, who previously served as president from 2003 to 2010 before returning to office in 2023.

His latest victory is expected to shape Brazil's domestic economic priorities and its approach to international relations during the coming presidential term.

Lula's new four-year term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027.

India and Brazil Share Strategic Interests

India and Brazil have developed a strategic partnership covering several areas of economic, technological and diplomatic cooperation.

Both countries are influential members of the Global South and have called for reforms in international institutions to provide developing nations with a stronger voice.

Their bilateral relationship includes cooperation in:

• Trade and investment: Expanding commercial ties and encouraging business opportunities.

• Energy: Exploring cooperation in conventional and renewable energy.

• Technology: Strengthening digital cooperation and innovation.

• Defence: Expanding engagement in defence-related areas.

• Agriculture: Sharing expertise and supporting agricultural development.

• Healthcare: Exploring opportunities for cooperation in medicines and healthcare services.

• Critical minerals: Building cooperation around resources important to emerging technologies and industrial supply chains.

Modi's message indicated that both countries intend to continue building on these areas of cooperation.

Modi and Lula Held Talks Earlier in 2026

Modi and Lula last met in February 2026, when the Brazilian President visited India.

During the visit, the two leaders held discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, with particular attention to critical minerals, digital cooperation, traditional knowledge, healthcare, micro, small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurship and mass communication.

Lula also participated in the second AI Impact Summit held in New Delhi.

The visit reflected the growing importance of India-Brazil cooperation in emerging technologies, industrial development and international economic affairs.

Lula's Victory and the Global South

Lula's re-election has implications beyond Brazil's domestic politics.

The Brazilian leader has supported greater cooperation among developing countries and a more multipolar international order. His continued leadership is therefore significant for discussions involving emerging economies and international institutions.

India and Brazil also cooperate through groupings such as BRICS, where members discuss economic cooperation, development financing and reforms to global governance.

The two countries share an interest in ensuring that the priorities of developing nations receive greater attention in international forums.

Shashi Tharoor Highlights BRICS and Global Implications

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also congratulated Lula and highlighted the broader geopolitical significance of the Brazilian election.

Tharoor said Lula's victory could strengthen Brazil's commitment to multipolarity and reinforce BRICS as an important voice for the Global South.

He also pointed to the possible implications for Brazil's relations with the United States, particularly amid disagreements over trade and tariffs.

Tharoor described the result as significant for social inclusion, economic justice and international cooperation. His comments reflected his assessment of the election's geopolitical implications.

What Lula's Re-Election Could Mean for India

Lula's new term offers India an opportunity to continue expanding its engagement with Brazil.

Closer cooperation could create opportunities in trade, energy, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, technology and critical minerals. Both countries may also continue coordinating positions on issues affecting developing economies.

However, the extent of future cooperation will depend on policy decisions, economic conditions and the priorities established by the governments in New Delhi and Brasília.

Modi's congratulatory message signals India's intention to maintain momentum in the bilateral relationship and work with Brazil on shared international priorities.

Key Takeaways

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election on October 26, 2026.

• Modi said he wanted to deepen and expand the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

• Lula defeated Flávio Bolsonaro in Brazil's presidential runoff.

• Lula received approximately 51.78% of valid votes, compared with 48.23% for Bolsonaro, according to the reported tally.

• Lula's new four-year term is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2027.

• India and Brazil cooperate across trade, investment, energy, technology, defence, agriculture and healthcare.

• Both countries support advancing the shared priorities of the Global South.

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted the election's potential implications for BRICS and international relations.

Bottom Line

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulatory message to Lula reinforces India's intention to strengthen its strategic partnership with Brazil following the Brazilian President's re-election.

With both countries seeking greater cooperation in trade, technology, energy, critical minerals and global governance, the coming presidential term could provide further opportunities to expand bilateral engagement.

The relationship also carries broader significance for the Global South, as India and Brazil continue to advocate greater cooperation among developing economies and a more representative international order.