India and Brazil 2+2 Dialogue

Context

India and Brazil have recently concluded the first ‘2+2’ defence and foreign ministerial dialogue.

About

• Discussions spanned defence, space, energy, critical minerals, tech, counter-terrorism and regional, multilateral & other troubles of mutual interest.
• It was co-chaired by an additional secretary in the external affairs ministry and joint secretary in the defence ministry.

What are 2+2 meetings?

• The 2+2 meetings symbolize the participation of two high-level representatives, Ministers keeping Foreign and Defence portfolios, from both nations who aim to enhance the scope of dialogue between them.
• Having this kind of mechanism allows the partners to better understand and appreciate each other’s strategic issues and sensitivities deliberating political elements on each sides, with the intention to build a more potent, more integrated strategic relationship.
• India has held 2+2 meetings with ministers from the USA, Australia, Japan, the UK and Russia.

Brief on India- Brazil Relations

• Diplomatic Relations: Relations have been set up in 1948, and the two nations have been Strategic Partners since 2006.
  • Both sides also have numerous Joint Working Groups to take forward sectoral cooperation. 
• Trade Relations: In 2022, the bilateral trade increased by 32% to US$15.2 billion (India’s exports US$8.8 billion & Imports – US$6.4 billion).
  • India and Brazil have established Trade Monitoring Mechanism as an institutional mechanism to reveal and discover bottlenecks in bilateral trade and take suitable measures to deal with them. 
• Defence & Security Cooperation: India and Brazil signed an agreement in 2003 for cooperation in defence. Meetings of the Joint Defence Committee (JDC) are held as an institutionalized mechanism for defence cooperation. 
• Security Cooperation: India and Brazil established a  Strategic Dialogue mechanism in 2006 to cover local and international issues of mutual interest.
  • The nations have an Extradition Treaty, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters and an Agreement of Transfer of Sentenced Persons in area.
• Space Cooperation: India and Brazil signed a framework agreement for non violent use of outer space in 2004 as well an Agreement for inter-institutional cooperation between the space agencies.
  • Both countries were participating in Data sharing and satellite monitoring of Indian satellites. 
• Multifora Relations: India and Brazil share a very close and multifaceted relation both at bilateral level in addition to in plurilateral fora inclusive of BRICS, BASIC, G-20, G-4, IBSA, International Solar Alliance, as well as in the larger multilateral bodies such as the UN, WTO, UNESCO, and WIPO. 

Challenges in the Relations

• Geopolitical Competition: Both India and Brazil are emerging powers with aspirations for greater global influence. This can sometimes lead to opposition, especially in international forums like the UN, where each country is seeking greater representation and influence.
• Trade Barriers: Trade betweenIndia and Brazil has not reached its full potential, partly because of various trade barriers and protectionist measures in both countries. These boundaries restrict the growth of bilateral trade and investment.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity: Improving infrastructure and connectivity between the two countries remains a challenge.
  • Better air and sea connectivity, as well as improved transportation links, are essential for boosting trade and people-to-people contacts.

Way Ahead

• Overcoming the challenges calls for sustained diplomatic efforts, enhanced economic cooperation, and a commitment to finding common ground on global issues. 
• Despite the obstacles, the potential advantages of a stronger India-Brazil partnership make overcoming these challenges a worthwhile endeavor.

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q.India and Brazil share a multisectoral relationship. Discuss

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