The stage is set for a historic event as Brazil and India prepare for their inaugural 2+2 Secretary Level Dialogue in New Delhi next month. Ambassador Kenneth Haczynski Da Nobrega has confirmed this significant development, highlighting the pivotal role of defence in the burgeoning economic partnership between the two nations.
Scheduled for March, this milestone dialogue underscores Brazil’s strategic focus on three key pillars: Defence, Agriculture, and Energy. The 2+2 maiden dialogue is expected to take place from March 14 – 15 and the G to B meetings will take place around March 12.
As anticipation builds, high-level defence delegations, led by the Secretary of Defence Production and representatives of major defence companies under the umbrella of the Brazil Association of Defence Industry, are poised to converge in India.
Beyond conventional aerospace discussions, the agenda promises to explore cutting-edge realms including Artificial Intelligence and nano-technology, signalling a commitment to innovation and collaboration. Amidst these preparations, both countries are poised to leverage their strengths for a mutually beneficial resource exchange, navigating challenges and fostering synergy in the defence landscape.
Financial Express Online has reported previously, Brazil is keen on collaborating with Indian companies in areas such as aircraft manufacturing, satellite building, space control, electronic warfare, cyber defence, and the exchange of raw materials. To overcome challenges in establishing identical factories, both countries aim to leverage their strengths for a productive resource exchange while avoiding trade embargoes.
Expected Agenda of the Maiden 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
During the talks the two sides are expected to focus on political and strategic dimensions. Brazil is keen to have a detailed discussion on freedom of navigation, deal with the growing threat of piracy especially in the South Atlantic Region and western Africa; as well as strengthening relations in South East Asia.
The two sides are expected to discuss joint production of military platforms, have joint air force and navy exercises.
Scorpene Club
The Brazilian Navy is operating Scorpene Class submarines. Therefore, negotiations are going on between the two navies for signing an MoU for reducing cost for the repair and maintenance of the Scorpene submarines as well as technical cooperation and training.
Brazil is manufacturing nuclear nuclear-powered general-purpose attack submarines, and is planning for modernization of the existing fleet of submarines.
BrahMos Missile
According to senior officials, the government of Brazil has expressed interest in the BrahMos-NG (New Generation) version of the short-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile for its Army. The missile, an Indo-Russia joint venture, is already inducted in the Indian armed forces and is being sought by other countries in the South American region. Brazil has also expressed interest in indigenous Akash and Astra Missiles.
Financial Express Online has been the first to report about the growing interest for these missiles from countries in South America including Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Venezuela.
Why is Brazil interested in BrahMos?
“There have been initial talks between the two sides. Due to the global pandemic everything was put on hold,” a senior officer said.
Last year, several Indian companies including BrahMos Aerospace had participated in the largest defence expo in Brazil – LAAD.
Why BrahMos-NG?
The Brazilian Air Force is flying the Swedish Gripen-E of SAAB Company, which was delivered to it in 2019.
Also, “The Brazilian aircraft Embraer can also be a suitable platform for BrahMos –NG,” said the officer quoted above.
“For Brazil, the Indo-Russian missile BrahMos-NG can be a suitable choice for their new Gripen aircraft. The new BrahMos-NG system is designed for a wide range of fighter aircraft platforms with best-in-class specifications.”
Embraer in India
As reported by Financial Express recently, Brazilian aerospace company Embraer has recently announced its collaboration with Mahindra Group for the C390 Millennium multi-mission aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
“We also have a very concrete interest in Embraer in setting up not only the assembly line but jointly manufacturing the C390 MTA depending on the IAF. Brazil boasts of a dynamic defence industrial base and is seeking local collaborations in India,” said a senior officer.
Two major defence companies are already present in India and have set up their manufacturing base for small arms and ammunition.
Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC) Brazil, the world’s second-largest ammunition manufacturer, and Stumpp Schuele & Somappa India (SSS Defence) are in a joint venture to produce ammunition for all calibers like: 9 mm, 7.62×39 mm,7.62×51 mm, .338 Lapua and 12.7 mm. And, as per the terms of the joint venture, can export to a third country after fulfilling India’s requirements.
Another Brazilian company Taurus Armas S.A. has tied up with Jindal Defence for manufacturing small arms.
Various Visits Last year
In 2023, Commander of Brazilian Army General Tomas Miguel Ribeiro Paiva accompanied by an official delegation was on a six-day visit to India. This is the first time that Commander of the Brazilian Army travelled to India and this visit came ahead of the G20 Summit where the President of Brazil was participating and ceremonially took over the presidency of G20.
On day one of his maiden visit (August 29, 2023) General Tomas called on General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the Army Staff and they exchanged ideas and held constructive discussions on various contemporary issues.
Both sides also discussed issues pertaining to strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two armies. He later called on General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff and interacted with Giridhar Aramane, the Defence Secretary. These discussions underscored the shared goals of enhancing defence cooperation and collaboration between the two nations. The visit of General Tomas Miguel Mine Ribeiro Paiva underlined the deep- rooted bond between the armies of India and Brazil.
@ LAAD (DefExpo) event in Rio
In 2023 the Ministry of Defence showcased various defence platforms. Representatives from Defence Research and Development Organisation, Bharat Dynamics Ltd., Yantra India Ltd., Bharat Electronics, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd., (MDL) and the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos were present. Private sector was represented by Kanpur based MKU Ltd.
Also, a high-level delegation led by Joint Secretary Anurag Bajpai has been to the South American nation and had meetings with the top leadership in the Ministry of Defence.
MDL officials had also visited Brazil and had meetings with the top Brazilian Navy officials. The focus was on identifying areas in the defence sector where the two countries can collaborate, especially in the area of submarine building, maintenance and repair.
The Commander of the Brazilian Navy visited India and the focus was on Coastal Systems and a contract with Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) to acquire Offshore Patrol Vessels is expected to be firmed up.
In an earlier interaction General Luis Antônio Duizit Brito, former Secretary of Defence Products Division in Brazil, highlighted the deepening naval cooperation between the two nations. These visits and interactions underscore the strengthening ties between Brazil and India in defence and technology, as they work together to address common challenges and opportunities on a global stage.
India-Brazil Defence Cooperation
The two countries have a multifaceted relationship which is based on values and a convergence of views on many global issues. Both countries are cooperating bilaterally and multilaterally at various foras including the United Nations, BRICS, IBSA, G20, and ISA.
The focus of talks in the defence sector is based on the “Triple-Helix” approach which is followed by the South American nation. This emphasizes innovation and R&D for its army, navy and air force.