India lauds Brazil's support for actions to combat terror: Modi

India on Monday appreciated Brazil’s support for its actions to combat terrorism and said the two countries agreed that the world must come together to fight the menace without distinction or discrimination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also thanked Brazilian President Michel Temer for “understanding India’s aspiration” for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group.

“My country deeply appreciates Brazil’s support for India’s actions in combating terrorism,” Modi said after a bilateral meeting with Temer, who is in Goa for the 8th BRICS Summit which concluded on Sunday.

“We agreed that the world must come together to fight this menace without distinction or discrimination,” the prime minister said.

He said India will continue to work with Brazil as an important partner in early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

“Both bilaterally and multilaterally, the partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that we are keen to harvest,” he said.

Modi said the two countries made progress in opening new areas of cooperation in drug regulation, agricultural research and cyber security during Temer’s visit.

“I am happy to note that India and Brazil are close to finalising the text of a  bilateral investment agreement. President Temer and I have reviewed the full range of bilateral cooperation,” he said.

He said that the bilateral relations between India and Brazil have grown for the better and there has been increased interaction at all levels.

“This visit (by Temer) takes place as both countries mark a decade of our strategic partnership,” the prime minister said.

Modi and the Brazilian leader also witnessed exchange of four cross-sectoral memorandum of understanding between the two countries.

The first MoU is on genetic resources, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resources and fisheries while the second one is on pharma products regulation. The third MoU is on cattle genomics and assisted reproductive technologies and the fourth is on investment cooperation and facilitation treaty.

“We thank Brazil for understanding India’s aspiration for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. We've made progress in cooperation in new areas including drug regulation, agri research and cyber security. Will work closely at UN, G20, G4, WTO, BRICS and IBSA,” Modi said.

He said he was honoured to welcome Temer to India. “I am delighted that Goa with its distinct Portuguese heritage is part of his maiden visit here,” he said.

The prime minister said bilaterally and multilaterally, partnership between India and Brazil is filled with possibilities that the two countries were keen to harvest.

Modi thanked the Brazilian leader for positively considering request of greater market access and investment opportunities for Indian products and companies.

“President Temer and I met with our CEOs and are encouraged at steps they are taking to advance pragmatic collaboration.

“India can be a valuable partner in reviving Brazil’s domestic economic agenda. I welcome Brazilian companies to invest and forge long term partnerships,” he said

Modi said the two sides have finalised text of a bilateral investment agreement and it will provide momentum to increased bilateral business and investment linkages.

“Noting potential, we have agreed to scale up our engagement. This is in line with our mutual desire for a reinforced strategic partnership.

“We mark a decade of our strategic partnership. We are also joined together in shaping international context to support our common pursuits and endeavours,” he said.

Earlier, Modi welcomed Temer to Goa, saying, “We are natural partners linked by democracy, rule of law and shared aspirations for development, peace and prosperity.”

Image: PM Narendra Modi and the President of Brazil Michel Temer during a bilateral meeting in Goa. Photograph: Press Information Bureau