New Delhi, February 21, 2026 — In a major bilateral push to secure the raw materials driving India’s rapid industrial expansion, the Ministry of Steel, Government of India, and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil today signed a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The strategic agreement, focused on enhancing cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, was formally exchanged at Hyderabad House in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
As India’s infrastructure and industrial sectors continue their massive expansion, domestic demand for steel has skyrocketed. Currently boasting a steelmaking capacity of 218 million tonnes, Indian steel companies are undertaking significant capacity expansions.
To sustain this long-term growth, the MoU establishes a robust institutional framework to secure the critical raw materials required for production. Brazil, one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore, also holds significant global reserves of crucial steelmaking minerals, including manganese, nickel, and niobium.
Beyond raw material supply, the MoU emphasizes deep technological and investment collaboration. The key areas of cooperation include:
Investment & Infrastructure: Attracting cross-border investments in exploration, mining, and logistics infrastructure.
Next-Gen Technology & AI: Deploying Artificial Intelligence in geoscientific data analysis to dramatically enhance mineral exploration processes.
Automation: Leveraging automation and advanced technologies in both exploration and active mining operations.
Sustainability: Developing better processing and recycling technologies for minerals, alongside sharing best practices in environmental management.
The agreement is being hailed as a major milestone for Global South cooperation. By integrating Brazil’s vast mineral wealth and extraction expertise with India’s booming steel manufacturing capabilities, the partnership promises to insulate both nations from global supply chain shocks while fostering sustainable, technology-driven mining practices.