![](https://bharatshakti.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/LT-BSI-Defence.gif")
Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi’s ongoing visit to Brazil has given a significant push to New Delhi–Brasília maritime cooperation, with both sides advancing operational, industrial, and strategic collaboration. During high-level talks in Rio de Janeiro, Admiral Tripathi met Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen, Commander of the Brazilian Navy, to discuss expanding joint initiatives across operations, training, hydrography, and maritime domain awareness.
According to the Indian Navy, the meeting reaffirmed the two countries’ intent to strengthen strategic convergence in the maritime domain – an alignment that both sides view as vital for stability in the Global South and the wider maritime commons.
A significant outcome of the visit was the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian Navy, Brazilian Navy, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) on Wednesday. The agreement covers the exchange of information related to the maintenance of Scorpène-class submarines and other naval vessels, marking a new phase of industrial and technical cooperation.
The MoU is expected to enhance life-cycle support for submarine platforms, deepen experience-sharing in maintenance, logistics and training, and boost collaboration between defence industries and government agencies of both nations. Officials also highlighted its potential to spur joint R&D and technological innovation to sustain the Scorpène-class submarines and future naval platforms.
The document was signed by Admiral Tripathi, Admiral Olsen, and Capt. Jagmohan, Chairman and Managing Director of MDL.
Also Read: Indian Navy Chief in Brazil as Talks Advance on Scorpène Support Pact and Joint Shipbuilding Plan
Admiral Tripathi’s four-day visit includes stops at naval bases, operational commands, and major shipyards along Brazil’s southeastern coast. These site visits will allow the Indian delegation to assess Brazil’s infrastructure for submarine servicing and examine possibilities for joint production lines for surface ships.
Both navies are simultaneously reviewing avenues to expand cooperation in hydrographic services, information-sharing for maritime domain awareness, operational training, and coordinated engagement across the Indian Ocean Region and the South Atlantic.
Although India and Brazil already interact regularly through bilateral military exchanges and the IBSA framework (India–Brazil–South Africa), this visit carries added diplomatic weight. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is expected to undertake a state visit to India in early 2026, and New Delhi hopes to consolidate several defence agreements ahead of the Modi–Lula summit.
Officials say Admiral Tripathi’s trip is aimed at shifting from exploratory dialogue to concrete deliverables—particularly in submarine sustainment and shipbuilding. Technical teams from both sides have held several preparatory rounds, and the two governments are keen to finalise projects that can be formally advanced during Lula’s 2026 visit to India.
Team BharatShakti
