Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira has arrived in New Delhi to participate in the 18th BRICS Summit, adding to the growing international presence in the Indian capital ahead of the high-level gathering.

India is hosting the summit on September 12 and 13, with discussions expected to focus on global economic cooperation, trade, development, international governance and issues affecting the Global South.

Vieira's arrival comes as India and Brazil continue to strengthen their bilateral economic and strategic engagement. Recent official data from Brazil shows that bilateral trade reached US$10.1 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 32.9% from the same period of the previous year.

Mauro Vieira Arrives in New Delhi

Vieira's arrival marks Brazil's participation at ministerial level in the India-hosted BRICS gathering.

The Brazilian foreign minister is an experienced diplomat who has previously served as Brazil's ambassador to Argentina, the United States, the United Nations and Croatia. He has been Brazil's foreign minister since January 2023.

His presence is expected to add weight to discussions involving Brazil's priorities within the BRICS framework.

India Hosts 18th BRICS Summit

New Delhi is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13.

The meeting brings together representatives of the BRICS grouping at a time when the bloc is seeking greater cooperation among emerging and developing economies. India has placed strong emphasis on strengthening the voice of the Global South through its international engagements.

The summit is also expected to provide an opportunity for participating countries to discuss economic and development priorities.

India-Brazil Trade Ties Gain Momentum

Economic relations between India and Brazil have gained momentum in recent months.

According to Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Foreign Trade and Services, bilateral trade reached US$15.2 billion in 2025, representing a 25.4% increase over the previous year. Brazilian exports to India stood at US$6.86 billion during the year.

In the first seven months of 2026, bilateral trade rose to US$10.1 billion, while Brazilian exports to India increased sharply to US$5.89 billion.

Trade and Investment on Agenda

Trade diversification and investment cooperation are among the important areas in India-Brazil relations.

The two countries have been discussing market access, trade barriers, investment promotion and expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement.

Their investment relationship is also supported by the India-Brazil Agreement on Cooperation and Facilitation of Investments, signed in New Delhi in January 2020 and brought into force in Brazil in October 2025.

Critical Minerals and Strategic Cooperation

India and Brazil are also expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade.

A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in rare earth elements and critical minerals was recorded between the two countries in 2026, reflecting the growing importance of strategic supply chains and resource security.

Such areas are increasingly relevant to BRICS discussions as member countries explore greater economic resilience and cooperation in strategic sectors.

Brazil's Role in BRICS

Brazil has been a founding member of the BRICS grouping alongside Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Vieira has represented Brazil at previous BRICS engagements, including the 2024 summit in Kazan, where he addressed issues involving international affairs and the group's positions on global challenges.

Brazil's participation in the New Delhi summit therefore comes against the backdrop of its long-standing role in shaping the bloc's diplomatic and economic agenda.

Summit Brings Global South Into Focus

With senior officials arriving in New Delhi, attention will now turn to the discussions at the 18th BRICS Summit.

For India and Brazil, the meeting offers an additional platform to deepen bilateral economic ties while coordinating positions on wider global issues. For BRICS, the summit comes at a time when emerging economies are seeking a stronger role in international decision-making.

Vieira's arrival is therefore significant not only for Brazil's participation in the summit but also for the broader India-Brazil partnership, which has seen renewed momentum in trade, investment and strategic cooperation.