Speech by Minister Carlos França on the occasion of the visit of the Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

I am very pleased to welcome the Indian delegation, headed by the Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Jaishankar.

The visit of the Minister of External Affairs of India strengthens the close ties between our two great democracies.

We stand firm in our intention to strengthen our strategic partnership, in line with the Action Plan adopted during the presidential visit to India in 2020.

Today, with Minister Jaishankar, I chaired the first meeting since 2015 of the Brazil-India Joint Commission, our main bilateral dialogue and coordination mechanism.

We have seen many advances in strategic areas of our bilateral relationship, such as cooperation in the area of bioenergy. India has expanded the use of ethanol, including by adding more of the blend of this fuel to gasoline.

On the economic front, there has been a significant increase in bilateral trade, which totaled $11.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach a new record high in 2022. Last year India became our fifth-largest trading partner in the world.

I highlight the growing flow of investments between our countries, in particular those of Indian companies in Brazil.

We have just signed a protocol to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion. This protocol provides greater security to entrepreneurs and promotes the flow of investments from each side.

On the international agenda and in multilateral forums, Brazil and India have convergent positions, based on democratic values, the respect for international law and our confidence in diplomacy and dialogue.

I am confident that we will continue to strengthen our partnership in the UN Security Council, including with a view to advancing its reform. Both Brazil and India hold a seat in the Council this year.

We agree to strengthen our coordination at the G20 as well. The Indian presidency of this group, in 2023, will be followed by the Brazilian presidency, in 2024. In particular, I proposed to Minister Jaishankar a strong joint action in favor of bioenergy.

It gives me immense pleasure to receive the Indian delegation a few days after the 75th anniversary of India's independence and two weeks before the bicentennial of Brazil's independence.

In this moment of such important milestones for our countries, it is essential that we look to the future together and recognize the relationship between Brazil and India as one of the main axes for promoting development, peace and stability in the world.

Thank you all very much.