By Purnima Jain
As part of a major step in enhancing defence cooperation between countries, Brazil has taken a very keen interest in exploring military hardware cooperation with India, including Akash air defence and Garuda artillery guns. This is a testament to Brazil”s growing portfolio of defence exports to India, as well as an indication of how keen Brazil is to build its domestic military capabilities in connection with trusted international alliances. According to a report by The Economic Times, Brazilian representatives have officially expressed their interest in these systems during high-level meetings with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The emphasis is on establishing lasting cooperation in the fields of defence manufacturing, technology transfer, and joint training programs. Why Is Brazil Interested? Brazil is currently in the midst of a military modernisation project that envisages replacing its obsolete platforms with modern systems that can be used in its extremely mountainous and diverse terrain and strategic needs. The Akash missile is a multi-ranged land-to-air projectile and an indigenously created projectile by the DRDO of India, which can strike 25-30 km into the air against fighter cum cruise missiles and also drones. The Indian Air Force, as well as the Army, has already implemented it with great success. On the same note, the Garuda 105 light artillery guns used by India, with their signature mobility and ability to operate at high altitudes, could easily be integrated into Brazilian tactical schemes, particularly in the case of remote or rugged terrains such as the Amazon. Strategic and Diplomatic Significance The Brazil defence deal is not just a sale but a manifestation of India’s move to become a leading player in the world as a defence source. It also builds relationships between two significant economies of the Global South, which will open up further possibilities for joint production and defence exercises as well as research and development. According to the MEA, this offer goes in line with the Indian vision of being a net defence exporter and is viewed as an international trust in India’s homegrown technologies. What”s Next? If the deal went ahead, it would be followed by intense cost bargaining, customisation, and possibly even options for co-production as part of Brazil’s policy of finding strategic partners. Exports of Indian defence industries to regions in Latin America were also a possibility.