PM Modi in Brazil: No Place for Double Standards on Terrorism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a strong message against global terrorism during his visit to Brazil, asserting that there should be zero tolerance and no double standards in the fight against terror. In a veiled reference to Pakistan and its close ally China, PM Modi said India and Brazil are aligned in their belief that terrorism must be opposed in all forms, along with those who support and shelter it.

“Our thinking on the fight against terrorism is aligned — zero tolerance and zero double standards,” PM Modi said during a joint press statement with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasília. The remarks came after delegation-level talks between the two leaders, where they reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening bilateral ties across key sectors.

While Modi refrained from naming any country, the undertone was clear. India has frequently called out Pakistan as the “global epicentre of terrorism” and criticized China for blocking moves at the UN to designate Pakistan-based terrorists. The strong statement was seen as a diplomatic yet pointed rebuke of nations seen as enabling or shielding terrorism for geopolitical leverage.

PM Modi also thanked President Lula and the people of Brazil for their solidarity and support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April, which targeted Indian security forces.

Beyond security concerns, the talks between the two leaders focused on deepening cooperation in a range of strategic areas including trade and investment, defence and security, health and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital public infrastructure.

The two countries also identified critical minerals, artificial intelligence, supercomputing, and digital mobility as promising areas of collaboration. A new bilateral trade target of USD 20 billion over the next five years was announced as both sides aim to enhance economic engagement.

Following the meeting, multiple agreements were signed to strengthen ties in energy, agriculture, health, and culture. India and Brazil also pledged to work more closely in global forums such as the G20 and BRICS, where both countries are active voices from the Global South.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome at the Alvorada Palace in Brasília. The welcome included a 114-horse parade and a classical Indian bhajan performance, underscoring the warmth in India-Brazil relations.

PM Modi’s state visit to Brazil, following his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is expected to add further momentum to bilateral relations as both nations look to align their global visions and deepen their strategic partnership.

IT.