r Singh said his visit to Brazil after a hiatus of 38 years since the last prime ministerial tour was significant. This would be further enhanced by the India-Brazil-South Africa summit in Brazil on Wednesday.
India and Brazil have had long and durable democracies and their relations are broad-based and multifaceted, he said, adding that his visit provided an opportunity for bilateral and economic growth.
Dr Singh said he was confident the transformation of bilateral relations would elevate the ties to a strategic partnership.
"India's friendship with Brazil is showing momentum and oceans are no longer working against our partnership," he said.
Though Brazil and India are on the extreme sides of the world, in the last five years, both have pledged for better economic cooperation. The trade between the two countries has increased five folds from the year 2002 from $500 million annually to $2.5 billion.
Image: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, his wife Marisa Leticia, Dr Manmohan Singh and his wife Guarsharan Kaur at the ceremonial welcome.
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