New Delhi/IBNS-CMEDIA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his victory in Brazil’s presidential election, securing a fourth non-consecutive term.
Modi emphasised the importance of deepening the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership through expanded cooperation in trade, energy, defence, agriculture, technology and critical minerals.
The two countries have also been working towards strengthening bilateral trade, with recent targets exceeding $20 billion.
Modi looks to expand strategic partnership
In a post on X, the Prime Minister wrote: “Heartiest congratulations to my dear friend, President Lula, on his remarkable re-election victory. I look forward to working closely with him to further deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.
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“Together, we will continue to strengthen our cooperation across diverse sectors, advance the shared priorities of the Global South and work towards a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world.”
At 80, Lula defeated Flávio, the eldest son of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, by more than three percentage points in the presidential runoff.
Lula secured 51.79% of the total votes, ahead of Flávio Bolsonaro, who received 48.21%.
Lula’s victory is significant as he was trailing Bolsonaro in the opening round amid growing discontent with his Workers’ Party over rising prices and past corruption allegations.
Who is Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva?
Popularly known as Lula, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is a veteran Brazilian politician, former trade union leader and one of the most prominent left-wing leaders in Latin America.
Born on October 27, 1945, in Garanhuns, in Brazil’s northeastern Pernambuco state, Lula grew up in poverty and worked as a metalworker before becoming a prominent trade union leader during the 1970s.
He helped establish Brazil’s Workers’ Party (PT) in 1980 and rose to national prominence through his advocacy for workers’ rights and social welfare.
Lula first became President in 2003 and served two consecutive terms until 2010. His governments introduced social programmes aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.
However, his political career was later overshadowed by corruption investigations. He was imprisoned in 2018 following a corruption conviction but was released in 2019. Brazil’s Supreme Federal Court annulled his convictions in 2021, restoring his political eligibility.
Lula made a political comeback in 2022, defeating incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro in a closely contested election to return to office in January 2023.
His latest victory marks another major milestone in a political career spanning more than four decades.
