"India, Brazil Discuss Co-Production of Defence Hardware
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Jan. 26, 2004)
NEW DELHI --- Defence Minister George Fernandes today met visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva and discussed joint production of defense equipment by the two countries. The meeting lasted 45 minutes at the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the Brazilian leader, who was chief guest at this morning’s Republic Day parade here, is staying, informed sources said.
Fernandes discussed with Lula, who is on a five-day visit, Indo-Brazilian defense cooperation including co-production defense hardware, they said.
Opening new economic frontiers, India had yesterday signed a preferential trade agreement with Latin American trading bloc Mercosur that could lead to a free trade arrangement between the two sides.
The landmark agreement was signed by ministers from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina with Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley in the presence of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the Brazilian President.
Lula yesterday said Brazil was keen to forge a strategic alliance with India.
India is buying five executive jets from M/S Embraer of Brazil for the Air Force and the Home Ministry to replace ageing aircraft under the VVIP Communication Squadron and Border Security Force. "
George Fernandes a dialogar com Lula da Silva...
A Índia e o Brasil... aroma de especiarias e de Império.
Sou mesmo um romântico incurável...