LIDE Opens Mumbai Office to Boost Brazil-India Trade Ties

In a strategic move to strengthen economic ties, Brazil's leading business organization, LIDE (Grupo de Líderes Empresariais), has opened its first office in Mumbai. This initiative aims to enhance bilateral trade between India and Brazil, fostering collaboration in sectors like agribusiness, technology, energy, and pharmaceuticals. With India and Brazil's trade relationship growing, LIDE’s Mumbai office seeks to create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

LIDE, which operates in over 20 countries, focuses on connecting global business leaders and promoting economic growth. The organization is set to host a major four-day conference in India in August 2025, bringing together 150 large enterprises from Brazil, Latin America, and other countries. This event is expected to facilitate business partnerships and drive collaboration between Indian and Brazilian industries.

Growing Economic Ties

Currently, bilateral trade between India and Brazil stands at an impressive $20 billion. Brazil’s exports to India, valued at $11 billion, primarily include crude oil, sugar, soy, and soybean oil. Meanwhile, India exports $9 billion worth of products to Brazil, including pharmaceuticals, refined petroleum products, software, and technology. However, LIDE’s leadership believes there is untapped potential for further growth.

João Doria, Co-Chairman of LIDE, emphasized the importance of increasing private sector engagement between the two nations, especially in sectors like agriculture, aerospace, defense, and security. "When Brazilian and Indian entrepreneurs connect, new business opportunities will emerge," he said, highlighting the potential in industries such as oil and gas, minerals, sustainability, and tourism.

A Shift in Trade Dynamics

The opening of the Mumbai office marks a pivotal moment for both nations as they work to expand trade beyond traditional commodities like oil and iron ore. Brazil is now keen on increasing exports in newer sectors such as energy, agriculture, and manufactured goods, while India looks to tap into Brazil's markets for technology and pharmaceuticals.

João Doria Neto, LIDE President, noted the importance of creating a bridge between the two economies, emphasizing that LIDE India will facilitate high-level business dialogues and promote cooperation. As Indian companies seek to expand in Latin America and Brazilian firms explore opportunities in Asia, this initiative is seen as a timely step toward sustainable economic growth.

Boosting Tourism and Business Exchange

Beyond trade, both nations aim to boost tourism, a sector with significant untapped potential. Brazil’s tourism industry is currently more focused on the United States and Europe, but LIDE aims to increase the flow of Brazilian tourists to India and vice versa. This exchange could further deepen ties between the two countries and stimulate business growth in sectors like hospitality and travel.

The establishment of LIDE’s office in India underscores the organization's commitment to fostering economic cooperation between two of the world’s major emerging economies. With plans for the Brazil-India Forum in 2025, the future looks promising for enhanced trade, innovation, and collaboration between these two nations.