PM Modi congratulates Brazil's Lula on election victory, vows to advance Global South agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on securing a historic fourth term in office, affirming New Delhi's commitment to expand bilateral strategic cooperation and lead the shared agenda of the Global South.

Lula sealed a dramatic comeback victory in Sunday’s presidential run-off, defeating conservative senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The result ensures political continuity in Latin America's largest economy and strengthens a crucial diplomatic partnership for India across multilateral platforms, including BRICS and the G20.

Writing on X, Modi addressed the Brazilian leader warmly following the confirmation of the result.

"Heartiest congratulations to my dear friend, President Lula, on his remarkable re-election victory," Modi said. "I look forward to working closely with him to further deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership."

The Prime Minister added that the two nations would persist in building a fairer global order: "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."

The run-off numbers

With nearly 99 per cent of the votes counted, Brazil’s electoral authority showed Lula securing 51.75 per cent of the ballots cast compared to 48.25 per cent for his opponent, giving him an edge of roughly 4.3 million votes.

The outcome marks an unprecedented comeback in modern Brazilian history. Lula had finished behind Bolsonaro in the first round three weeks earlier by 2.2 million votes. Never since the restoration of Brazilian democracy in the 1980s had a candidate trailing in the first round managed to overturn the deficit in the run-off. A dip in voter abstention, falling from 21.08 per cent in the first round to 19.21 per cent on Sunday, helped swing the balance.

Strategic convergence for India

Lula’s re-election provides immediate stability for India's diplomatic and trade initiatives in South America. Under Modi's leadership, India has increasingly positioned itself as the pre-eminent voice for developing economies, championing food security, sustainable energy access, and reformed multilateral governance.

Brazil remains one of India's most important partners in that effort. Both nations work closely within BRICS, the IBSA Dialogue Forum, and the United Nations, where they have jointly demanded permanent seats on an expanded UN Security Council.

For Lula, who turns 81 this week, the victory bookends an enduring career spanning trade union activism, poverty alleviation programmes during his initial presidencies between 2003 and 2010, and his return to office in 2022. For New Delhi, the focus now turns to building momentum on mutual trade, defence supplies, renewable energy cooperation, and shared geopolitical priorities on the world stage.