As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for a state dinner hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the significance of the moment goes far beyond ceremonial grandeur.

This dinner, alongside the BRICS summit in Brazil, is beyond just a diplomatic courtesy and should rather be seen as a carefully calibrated geopolitical signal.

Brazil’s Message

According to diplomatic reports, the invitation to PM Modi may have even prompted Chinese President Xi Jinping to skip the summit for the first time, wary of appearing sidelined as India takes centre-stage in Latin America, especially in light of PM Modi’s other visits to Argentina, and Trinidad and Tobago. The red carpet will be laid out for PM Modi, and Xi’s presence would have risked looking like a “supporting actor".

Despite Brazil’s insistence, Xi will be skipping the summit, a first in 12 years. But Brazil didn’t flinch. Despite China’s snub, President Lula went ahead with his invitation, standing firmly by his decision to host Modi for the state dinner. This is an indicator of the growing momentum behind India-Brazil ties, and the emerging architecture of South-South cooperation.

Together, the two countries will be sending a loud message to China. Each photo op, each meeting, each toast raised during the state dinner carries symbolic weight.

Brazil’s refusal to recalibrate its plans in the face of Chinese displeasure signals two things: One, that India’s influence in Latin America is rising. And two, that Brazil sees long-term value in strengthening its partnership with India—even if it ruffles feathers in Beijing.

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