India, Brazil ink 6 pacts, boost defence and anti-terror focus

India and Brazil signed six agreement, including one on combating international terrorism and transnational crime, as PM Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in capital Brasilia. In his media remarks after the meeting, PM Modi underscored India's position on terrorism as he said both India and Brazil believe in "zero tolerance and zero double standards" on terrorism and supporters of terrorism.

"We believe there's no place for 'dohre maapdand' on this issue. We strongly oppose terrorists and their supporters," said PM Modi, who was conferred with Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross by Lula.

India and Brazil also signed agreements for cooperation in renewable energy, digital solutions, intellectual property and exchange of classified information. Modi said they set a target of $20 billion in bilateral trade and focused on defence cooperation too with Modi saying the two countries were looking at interlinking their defence industries in a sign of growing trust between them.

"Brazil is passionate about football and India about cricket. Whether the ball goes to the boundary or scores a goal, when both are in the same team a partnership of $20 billion is not difficult," said Modi, adding that India-Brazil ties should be "colourful like Carnival of Brazil, full of enthusiasm like football, and bring people together like Samba".

Modi said the Global South is the main priority for both democracies and also a moral responsibility. "At a time when the world is faced with tensions and uncertainties, India-Brazil relationship is a strong pillar of balance and stability," he said, adding that both countries backed dialogue and diplomacy for resolving issues.

Modi also discussed with Lula expansion of India-MERCOSUR preferential trade agreement for the benefit of both sides.