During his official visit, the Indian Prime Minister was given the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil's highest civilian honour

What is it?

Brazil’s top civilian honor, awarded solely to foreign officials for outstanding contributions to Brazil.

Granted by:

Granted by the President of Brazil, who acts as the ex officio Grand Master of the Order.

History & Importance:

Established on December 1, 1822, by Emperor Pedro I to honor Brazil's independence and his coronation.

Restored in 1932 by President Getúlio Vargas as a republican distinction to recognize foreign dignitaries and world leaders.

Represents Brazil’s diplomatic benevolence, particularly regarding the Global South.

Concerning the agreements between India and Brazil:

Defence & Security Collaboration: Agreed to a treaty for cooperative action against terrorism, transnational organized crime, and to improve strategic alignment.

Digital Public Framework: Agreement on sharing digital solutions, encompassing the implementation of a UPI-style model from India in Brazil.

Sustainable Energy & Renewables: Collaborative agreement to work together on renewable sources, eco-friendly technology, and the shift to cleaner energy.

Agriculture & Food Security: Agreement signed between India's ICAR and Brazil's EMBRAPA for agricultural technology, seed research and development, and climate-adaptive farming practices.

Intellectual Property (IPR): An MoU was signed between DPIIT (India) and Brazil’s Ministry of Trade to enhance the exchange of IPR policies and innovation.

Sensitive Information Exchange: Structure for collaborating to safeguard confidential data in defense, science, and technology fields.

Bilateral Trade Monitoring Framework: Established a ministerial-level system to oversee and enhance trade, commerce, and investment activities.