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Brazil’s Minister of Defence, José Múcio, will arrive in New Delhi from October 15 to 17, as part of Vice President Geraldo Alckmin’s high-level delegation, highlighting a significant step forward in India-Brazil defence cooperation. The visit is taking place ahead of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s planned state visit to India in 2026, and at a time when both countries are seeking to strengthen strategic autonomy amid growing geopolitical uncertainties.
The delegation, comprising senior ministers and top industry leaders from defence, aerospace, energy, and critical technologies, reflects Brazil’s intent to position itself as a reliable, long-term partner in India’s defence ecosystem. Defence Minister Múcio’s presence signals that defence cooperation will be a top priority during this visit.
Strategic Timing and Broader South-South Objectives
The visit comes amid rising global protectionism and supply chain disruptions, and aligns with India’s strategic goal of diversifying its defence partnerships beyond traditional suppliers. As two major democracies in the Global South, India and Brazil are leveraging their shared platforms, including BRICS, IBSA, and the G20, to enhance South-South defence-industrial cooperation.
Key Defence Agenda Items
Alongside multilateral engagements such as the UN Peacekeeping Chiefs’ Conclave, the bilateral agenda is expected to focus on:
The C-390 Millennium and Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Program
At the core of discussions will be Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, a next-generation multi-role transport aircraft proposed for the Indian Air Force under its MTA procurement program. Embraer has responded to the Indian RFI, with a potential deal involving up to 80 aircraft, making it one of the largest international contracts in the company’s defence portfolio.
To support its pitch, Embraer has expanded its footprint in India with a wholly owned subsidiary in New Delhi’s AeroCity, focusing on engineering, procurement, and future collaboration under the “Make in India” framework. The company also signed an MoU with Mahindra Defence Systems last year to explore joint production of the C-390.
Brazil’s Interest in India’s Akash Missile System
The South American nation continues to evaluate India’s Akash medium-range surface-to-air missile system, developed by DRDO, for its Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery initiative. While procurement has faced delays due to budgetary constraints and competing lobbying efforts, Brazilian officials have confirmed that Akash remains under “active technical consideration.” Notably, Brazil maintains that its evaluation of Akash and its C-390 offer is being pursued independently.
Expanding Defence-Industrial Collaborations
Representatives from Brazil’s top defence companies, including Embraer, Taurus Armas, CBC, Avibras, Atech, Ares, Emgepron, Helibras, MacJee, Imbel, among others, are expected to be part of the visiting business delegation. Taurus Armas and CBC are already in joint venture talks with Indian counterparts, such as SSS Defence, Mahindra Defence, and Jindal Defence, for joint ventures in small arms, munitions, and aerospace platforms.
Brazil’s interest also extends to Indian-origin platforms, such as the Prachand and Rudra attack helicopters, and airborne early warning systems (such as the E-145 for NETRA).
Brazil Assigns Air and Naval Attachés to India
Signifying a deeper institutional commitment, the Brazilian government has formally decided to station dedicated air and naval attachés at its Embassy in New Delhi, a first. There is already a DA from the Army posted at the embassy. This development marks a significant upgrade in Brazil’s defence diplomacy with India, enabling faster operational coordination, defence technology dialogue, and long-term military engagement.
Momentum from Military Engagements Since 2023
Minister Múcio’s visit follows a series of high-level military exchanges over the past couple of years:
- Brazilian Army Chief (Aug 28 – Sept 2, 2023)
- Navy Vice-Chief (Sept 4–6, 2023)
- Army Vice-Chief (Sept 25–27, 2023)
- Navy Chief Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen (Aug 19–24, 2024)
- Brazilian Air Force Commander Lt. Brig. Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, who visited HAL facilities and observed Exercise Tarang Shakti in Jodhpur in September 2024
Naval & Submarine Cooperation
Beyond aerospace and missiles, Brazil and India are also exploring deeper naval cooperation, including submarine operations and maritime domain awareness. Brazil is a member of the Scorpène Club, a strategic grouping of countries operating French-origin Scorpène-class submarines, including India.
This club provides a platform for joint training, operational collaboration, and knowledge exchange on undersea warfare. Brazil is eager to build on this cooperation, particularly as it continues to modernise its naval fleet and expand its regional maritime partnerships.
Defence to Feature Prominently at Modi-Lula Meeting
The upcoming visit by the Defence Minister, alongside Vice President Alckmin, will serve as a precursor to deeper cooperation expected during the Modi–Lula bilateral summit in February 2026. As Brazil modernises its armed forces and India advances its export ambitions, both nations are finding common ground in cost-effective co-development, technology sharing, and trusted defence production.
Together, they are laying the foundation for a new era of South-South defence cooperation, driven not by dependence but by mutual capability and strategic autonomy.
Huma Siddiqui
