India’s 2+2 dialogues began with the United States of America, and similar minister-level conversations involving the defence and external affairs ministries have been held with other countries, including Australia, Japan and Russia. There have been similar dialogues with other countries at a slightly lower (secretary) level. A 2+2 level discussion is likely with Brazil, one of India’s partners in BRICS, later this month and joint production in the defence sector and exports of military equipment are on the agenda.
Two major meetings with the Brazilians are coming up: on March 11 and 12 is the
Defence Industries Dialogue and two days later, begin the two-day Political and Military
Bilateral Dialogue. Admiral Rui Chagas Mesquita (Retd.), Secretary, Brazil’s defence production department, will be heading the delegation. The Indian participation could be led by defence secretary Giridhar Aramane and perhaps, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra.
Brazil and India have already held important preliminary discussions. Brazil, for instance,
wants India-made 155mm howitzers– perhaps 40 of them and also, drones. There is talk
of a swap too: Brazil gives India Embrear aircraft and receives surface-to-air Akash missiles . Some discussions happened last September when the Brazilian General Fernando Soares looked at both the Dhanush and the ATAGS artillery systems. Just before that, another top official, General Tomas Paiva had visited frontline army and air force stations in India. He was the first Brazilian general to visit India in years.
There is considerable discussion on the political front too: the Brazilians, who are part of
BRICS like Russia, want India to play a major role to end the war in Ukraine. Both countries are working closely on G20. It was India’s turn to host the G20 last year and now, it is Brazil’s.