27/01/2020 - International Relations | Mainstorming

IAS Parliament 5 years

KEY POINTS

· The India-Brazil bilateral summit will be an important occasion to consolidate relationship between the two countries.

· Both countries are multi-cultural, with a commitment to democracy; where the leadership has a strong mandate and a compatible profile.

· Having cooperated on international issues, with BRICS as a cementing factor, the visit of Brazilian president can be the starting point for a comprehensive strategic partnership.

· Brazil’s number one export to India is crude oil, it is experiencing an oil production boom. India needs Brazil to sustain its energy security.

· As a large producer of sugarcane, Brazil started a bioethanol programme which is highly effective and is a means of bio-energy which can fire up thermal cogeneration plants. Synchronization of bioethanol programme of India is crucial at this juncture.

· One resultant by-product are bio-pellets (a substitute for coal) and a means of clean energy, the urgent need of the hour in India.

· In wind energy, Brazil is the cheaperst source; a Brazilian company manufacturing wind turbine generators Wind Energy Generator is already in India. This resource can be fully tapped.

· Brazil is not only self-sufficient in food production, but exports commodities including pulses to the Indian market.

· India consumes a variety of different foods, its growing and expanding population requires a perennial source, especially for proteins.

· India can start with a clean slate, having opted out of trade agreements, to put in place a bilateral framework/ agreement. This will be a “First” as we look beyond our neighbourhood principle.

· It will also facilitate the flow of investments, and strengthen and fortify India’s strategic interests. It will send out positive signals to foreign investors.

· A bilateral agreement between the two countries will secure this, which, in turn, will globally push India up in the ‘World Bank Ease of doing’ index.