TSAMTO, October 17th. Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, accompanied by Defense Minister Jose Musio Monteiro Filho and Air Force Commander Brigadier General Marcelo Caniz Damaceno, paid an official visit to New Delhi on October 15-17.
As noted, this visit marks a significant step forward in bilateral relations, primarily in the defense sector.
As reported by Infodefensa.com The Brazilian delegation was received by Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. During the talks, the parties discussed the possibility of counter-procurement of national weapons systems, which was described as a new stage in technological, industrial and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
According to Vice President Alkmin, the partnership is crucial for diversifying and strengthening the defense industries of both countries, reducing external dependence and expanding domestic innovation and production potential. "The cooperation between Brazil and India is not only commercial, but also strategic. We are building a path that combines technology, defense and sustainable development, strengthening the industrial potential and independence of our countries," Alkmin said in an interview with local media in New Delhi.
As it became known, several Brazilian and Indian defense products were the subject of negotiations. On the Brazilian side, these are the C-390 Millennium multipurpose military transport aircraft, and on the Indian side, the Akash anti-aircraft missile system and the LCA Tejas Mk.1a light combat aircraft.
In particular, the Brazilian company Embraer is actively discussing the sale and possible joint production of the C-390 in India, including with Mahindra Defense Systems. The Indian Air Force has expressed interest in acquiring up to 80 C-390 units. Technology transfer and local production are part of the negotiations in line with India's "Make in India" strategy.
Currently, tests of the Indian Akash-NG air defense system are being conducted in Brazil as part of a tender for the supply of a medium-range army air defense system to the Brazilian Ground Forces. The LCA Tejas Mk.1a fighter is offered as a cheap alternative to Western models.
In addition, India has offered airborne long-range radar detection and control (AWACS) systems based on the Embraer EMB-145 platform, WhAP armored vehicles, modern torpedoes and electronic warfare systems.
Representatives of the Brazilian and Indian Navies are also analyzing cooperation in the maintenance of French Scorpen-class submarines, which are in service with the Navies of both countries, and are also discussing the exchange of strategies for conducting naval and anti-submarine warfare.
As noted, ahead of the official visit of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India, scheduled for early 2026, these negotiations are considered as a preparatory stage in the development of a strategic plan to increase bilateral trade to $20 billion by 2030, supported by measures such as the expansion of the preferential trade agreement between MERCOSUR and India..
In his speech, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh stressed that India considers Brazil as a reliable partner for the joint production and development of defensive weapons systems, noting the importance of equal technological cooperation in solving global security problems and introducing innovations.
