India and Brazil have entered into a new phase of bilateral relation and both countries have stressed on the need for each other’s support in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Both countries have signed a joint declaration followed the meeting between visiting Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Manmohan Singh also expressed his satisfaction on the development of India-Brazil strategic dialogue. India needs to have better diplomatic relation with Brazil because Brazil is an influential member of the 45-member nuclear supplier group (NSG).

According to the joint declaration, India and Brazil ready to hold the meetings of the India-Brazil Defence Committee in near future. Manmohan Singh and Lula, both leaders showed their satisfaction at the launch of the first meeting of the India-Brazil Strategic Dialogue. It was co-chaired by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and Brazil Foreign Minister Celso Amorim Both.

Both countries would go for dialogue for development of the peaceful use of nuclear energy according to the international obligations. The dialogue would help both the countries to review the cooperation level. It would also review the action needed in the areas of space, nuclear energy for peaceful use, defence and the fight against terrorism.

India and Brazil also signed seven MoUs and agreements such as swapping the offshore hydrocarbon assets. The Petroleo Brasileiro SA (Petrobras) would get an entry into Indian oil sector and Indian oil firms would increase its presence in Brazil.

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