Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his re-election victory, expressing confidence that India and Brazil will further strengthen their already broad strategic partnership in the years ahead.

In a message posted on X, Modi described Lula’s victory as a remarkable achievement and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Brazilian leader on issues of mutual interest.

“Heartiest congratulations to my dear friend, President Lula, on his remarkable re-election victory,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister added, “I look forward to working closely with him to further deepen and expand the multifaceted India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.”

Modi emphasised that New Delhi and Brasília would continue to enhance cooperation across a wide range of sectors while pursuing common objectives on the international stage.

“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,” he stated.

The message reflects the growing importance of India-Brazil relations, with both countries playing influential roles in BRICS and frequently advocating greater representation for developing nations in global governance institutions.

Lula’s return to office is expected to provide continuity in Brazil’s engagement with major emerging economies, particularly India, as both nations seek to promote a more multipolar international order and strengthen the voice of the Global South.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Lula’s victory carries significance far beyond Brazil’s domestic political landscape and could have important geopolitical consequences.

In a post on X, Tharoor argued that Lula’s leadership would reinforce Brazil’s commitment to multipolarity and strengthen BRICS as an influential platform for developing countries.

“It also has implications for geopolitics, not least for BRICS. Lula’s leadership supercharges Brazil's commitment to multipolarity, strengthening the BRICS bloc as a vital voice of the Global South in reshaping international trade and governance,” Tharoor said.

He noted that the implications of the election extend to international trade, global governance and Brazil’s future relations with the United States.

Tharoor also highlighted Lula’s long-standing reputation as a champion of workers and economically disadvantaged communities, arguing that his return to power would revive efforts aimed at social inclusion and poverty reduction.

“From the factory floor to the global stage: @LulaOficial’s historic victory is a powerful reminder that the heartbeat of Brazil belongs to its people. As a steadfast champion of the working class and the poor, his return to leadership breathes new life into social inclusion, economic justice, and the fight against poverty in Brazil,” he said.

At the same time, Tharoor suggested that Lula’s victory may create challenges in Brazil’s dealings with Washington because the United States had openly supported his rival during the campaign.

“It’s also a challenge for ties with Washington, which had openly backed his rival. While economic and diplomatic friction (such as recent trade and tariff tussles) is likely to persist, Lula’s fiercely independent foreign policy will continue to prioritise national sovereignty over subservience,” he said.

According to Tharoor, the result represents a broader endorsement of democratic resilience, international cooperation and social progress at a time when several Latin American countries have witnessed a resurgence of right-wing political movements.

“Brazil has chosen a path of social progress, democratic resilience, and global cooperation. A historic and, for most, unexpected result amid the waves of rising right-wing assertion in Latin America,” he added.

Lula, the 80-year-old former factory worker and veteran leader of the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), secured re-election after defeating far-right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro in a closely fought presidential run-off. The victory followed a first round in which the contest remained extremely competitive.

Following the result, Lula thanked Brazilian voters for placing their trust in him and for defending democratic values throughout the election campaign.

“My eternal gratitude to the Brazilian people, to the youth who took to the streets in defence of democracy, and to every person who made an immense effort to vote and defend the future of our country. You all move me and renew my hope. This victory belongs to a people who believe, who fight, and who never give up on building a more just, sovereign, and democratic Brazil,” he said.

In remarks after his victory, Lula stressed the importance of democratic participation and national sovereignty, while pledging a more inclusive style of governance.

“We managed to convince people that voting was extremely important to safeguard democracy in Brazil. We defeated foreign intervention through digital platforms. Brazil is no one's backyard. We will change the way we run this country; we will make people participate more in the decision-making process,” Lula said.

His re-election is expected to have implications for Brazil’s role within BRICS, its partnerships with major global powers, and its engagement with developing nations seeking a greater voice in international affairs. Observers believe Lula’s emphasis on multilateralism, social justice and strategic autonomy could further shape discussions on global governance, trade and cooperation among emerging economies.

For India, Lula’s return is likely to reinforce collaboration in areas ranging from trade and investment to technology, energy, agriculture, climate initiatives and multilateral diplomacy, while strengthening coordination on issues affecting the Global South.

ANI