Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to participate in the 17th BRICS Leaders Summit on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The Prime Minister reached the Museum of Modern Art, the venue of the summit, where he was warmly welcomed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. This visit marks the fourth leg of his ongoing five-nation tour.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival at Galeao International Airport on Saturday evening (Local time). He expressed gratitude to President Lula for hosting the summit in Rio de Janeiro. “BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good,” the Prime Minister said.
Landed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil where I will take part in the BRICS Summit and later go to their capital, Brasília, for a state visit on the invitation of President Lula. Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit.@LulaOficial pic.twitter.com/9LAw26gd4Q
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 5, 2025
During his visit, PM Modi posted on social media platform X: “Hoping for a productive round of meetings and interactions during this visit.” He is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the summit.
Before arriving in Brazil, the Prime Minister visited Argentina, where he held extensive discussions with President Javier Milei. The two leaders agreed to diversify bilateral trade and enhance cooperation in areas such as defence, critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, energy, and mining.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Brazil and will include both participation in the BRICS Summit and a bilateral state visit to Brasilia. Notably, the upcoming state visit will be the first bilateral visit to Brazil by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades.
In a statement issued earlier this week, PM Modi underscored India’s commitment to BRICS. “As a founding member, India is committed to BRICS as a vital platform for cooperation among emerging economies. Together, we strive for a more peaceful, equitable, just, democratic and balanced multipolar world order. On the sidelines of the Summit, I will also meet several world leaders,” he stated.
With fellow BRICS leaders at the Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reaffirming our commitment to closer cooperation and shared growth.
BRICS holds immense potential to shape a more inclusive and equitable global future. pic.twitter.com/ftnyp8Irm7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025
He further added, “I will travel to Brasilia for a bilateral State Visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in nearly six decades. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen our close partnership with Brazil, and work with my friend, President H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, on advancing the priorities of the Global South.”
The 17th BRICS Summit will focus on a range of pressing global issues including governance reforms, climate change, and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The leaders are expected to explore frameworks for cooperation in health, climate action, and the responsible use of AI to solve global challenges. Another key agenda will be reforming multilateral financial institutions to better meet the financial requirements of climate change mitigation efforts. The summit also aims to promote a more inclusive and balanced global governance structure.
India’s participation in this edition of the summit carries added importance as it is set to assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026. The last time India held the Chairship was in 2021, marking the 15th anniversary of the BRICS grouping.
Grateful to President Lula for hosting this year’s BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
BRICS remains a powerful force for economic cooperation and global good.@LulaOficial pic.twitter.com/4suQE0BIWj
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 6, 2025
The two-day summit in Rio de Janeiro will be followed by Prime Minister Modi’s state visit to Brasilia, where he will hold talks with President Lula to deepen the strategic partnership between India and Brazil.
As part of his five-nation tour, Modi has already visited Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. He is currently in Brazil and will conclude his trip with a visit to Namibia.
