Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a bilateral meeting with Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho in New Delhi on Wednesday evening, underscoring the growing defence and security partnership between the two countries, reports 24brussels.

During the meeting, Singh emphasised the strategic importance of defence ties, focusing on mutual cooperation. “Our leaders have jointly prioritised defence and security cooperation as one of the five pillars of cooperation. As two large democracies and growing major economies, we have common interests and aspirations to play a larger role in international governance and economic architecture,” he stated.

Singh noted that this partnership not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to global peace and security, safeguards multilateralism, and protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. The discussions aimed to review progress in defence collaboration and explore new avenues, including military training, defence technology, and industrial partnerships. He also expressed gratitude to Brazil for its support following the terror attack at Pahalgam in April this year.

Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho outlined practical steps being taken to enhance defence cooperation. He mentioned that a recent memorandum of understanding on the defence industry is in the process of being signed, which seeks to expand collaboration in the development, production, and trade of defence products.

Furthermore, a Brazil-India defence industry dialogue is scheduled in Santos from November 24th to 28th, aimed at strengthening partnerships in research, maintenance, and co-production. “This dialogue will be another opportunity to consolidate and expand this exchange, promoting partnerships in research, maintenance and co-production,” said Filho.

On the subject of space cooperation, Filho acknowledged Brazil’s recognition of India’s expertise through collaboration with ISRO, highlighting the potential for joint missions, including the use of Brazilian launch centres. He cited the launch of the Amazonia 1 satellite from India as a significant milestone in this collaboration.

Singh also welcomed the Brazilian delegation, noting the festive season in India as an opportunity for cultural engagement alongside defence cooperation. “You shall witness the city filled with lights and all places beautifully decorated. This is the time of festivities in India. I have learned that the Vice President is a medical practitioner himself, which adds to his experience as a seasoned political leader. Brazil will also participate in the Youth Exchange Program in New Delhi during Republic Day, providing young minds a chance to engage with India’s National Cadet Corps,” Singh remarked.

After the bilateral talks, Singh shared updates on X, highlighting a constructive discussion on defence cooperation. He stated, “Happy to have met the Vice President of Brazil, Mr Geraldo Alckmin and Mr Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho, the Defence Minister of Brazil, today at New Delhi. We had forward-looking discussions on issues pertaining to Defence Cooperation with a focus on expanding Military to Military Cooperation and Defence Industrial Collaboration.”