Lula and Macron Strengthen Brazil-France Cooperation on Defense, Science, Technology, and Trade at AI Summit
At the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Presidents Lula and Macron discussed advancing Brazil-France cooperation in defense, science, technology, and trade, while addressing border security and trade agreements.
- • Lula and Macron met in New Delhi to discuss bilateral cooperation in defense, science, technology, and trade.
- • Current Brazil-France trade stands at $10.3 billion but is considered underutilized.
- • Cross-border issues like drug trafficking and illegal mining on Amapá-French Guiana border were discussed.
- • Lula was invited to the G7 Summit in Evian and discussed Mercosur-EU trade agreement implementation with Croatian PM Plenković.
Key details
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with French President Emmanuel Macron in New Delhi during the AI Impact Summit on February 19, 2026. The two leaders discussed bolstering bilateral cooperation in key areas including defense, science, technology, and trade. They noted that despite the current $10.3 billion trade exchange—which is a record—it remains under the full potential of their respective economies. Both stressed the importance of strategic partnerships and ongoing dialogue to unlock further development opportunities.
Their discussion also addressed pressing cross-border security challenges, focusing on transnational crime issues such as drug trafficking and illegal mining along the border between Brazil’s Amapá state and French Guiana. Moreover, Macron extended an invitation to Lula to participate in the upcoming G7 Summit scheduled for June 15-16 in Evian, France.
In addition to the bilateral talks with Macron, Lula held a meeting with Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, where they discussed the implementation of the Mercosur-European Union trade agreement. This landmark treaty, signed in January 2023 after over two decades of negotiations, aims to create the world’s largest free trade area by eliminating tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade. However, ratification by the European Parliament and national congresses remains pending, potentially delaying its effect. The discussion took place against the backdrop of European farmers expressing protectionist concerns.
Lula’s visit to India also included engagement with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to enhance trade cooperation in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and commerce. His stay in India will continue until February 21 before he proceeds to South Korea for further diplomatic engagements.
Overall, the summit and bilateral meetings underscored Brazil's commitment to expanding international cooperation in defense, scientific innovation, technology, and trade, while addressing security and economic challenges through multilateral dialogue and partnerships.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
