Brazil Confers Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross on Indian Prime Minister
Syllabus: International Relations | Honours & Awards
Source: News on Air
Context:
During his official visit to Brazil, the Prime Minister of India was awarded the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Government of Brazil.
About the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross:
- What it is:
Brazil’s highest civilian award, reserved exclusively for foreign dignitaries in recognition of their outstanding service to Brazil or in fostering strong diplomatic ties. - Conferred by:
The President of Brazil, who serves as the ex officio Grand Master of the Order. - History and Significance:
- Originally founded on 1 December 1822 by Emperor Pedro I to commemorate Brazil’s independence and coronation.
- Re-established in 1932 by President Getúlio Vargas as a republican order to honour global leaders and heads of state.
- Symbolizes Brazil’s diplomatic outreach, especially towards the Global South.
Key Agreements Signed Between India and Brazil:
- Defence and Security Cooperation:
Agreement to enhance strategic coordination, and jointly combat terrorism and transnational organized crime. - Digital Public Infrastructure:
MoU to share digital solutions, including the possible adoption of an India-style UPI model in Brazil. - Renewable Energy and Sustainability:
Joint collaboration on green technology, renewables, and energy transition efforts. - Agriculture and Food Security:
MoU signed between ICAR (India) and EMBRAPA (Brazil) to promote agri-tech, climate-resilient farming, and seed R&D. - Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
MoU between DPIIT (India) and Brazil’s Ministry of Trade to boost cooperation on innovation and IPR frameworks. - Classified Information Exchange:
Framework set up to enable secure exchange of sensitive information in defence, science, and technology sectors. - Bilateral Trade Monitoring Mechanism:
Launch of a ministerial-level mechanism to track and enhance trade, commerce, and investment flows.
Significance:
- The conferring of Brazil’s highest civilian honour to the Indian Prime Minister reflects growing strategic and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
- It highlights Brazil’s recognition of India’s global leadership and mutual efforts to strengthen cooperation across key sectors.
