Meeting between India’s Petroleum Minister and Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Highlights Strategic Cooperation
NEW DELHI (Economy India): India and Brazil have taken significant steps towards strengthening their energy sector collaboration. A key meeting was held between India’s Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep S. Puri and Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira from 19 to 21 September. The discussions focused on cooperation in biofuels, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and the oil and gas sectors.
Deepening Bilateral Relations in the Energy Sector
The meeting aimed to review the existing energy cooperation between the two countries and explore new investment opportunities. Both parties emphasized enhancing collaboration in upstream and downstream sectors. Brazil was acknowledged as a significant investment destination for Indian oil and gas companies, with both sides committing to identifying new prospects in the region.
Special Focus on Biofuels
One of the primary areas of focus was the production and use of biofuels. Both nations recognized that biofuels are essential not only for environmental sustainability but also for driving socio-economic growth. As founding members of the Global Biofuel Alliance, India and Brazil reiterated the alliance’s vital role in transforming global energy sources.
The Indian delegation praised this initiative, stating, “India and Brazil, as leading biofuel producers, will play a crucial role in the global energy transition.”
Collaboration on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The meeting also addressed the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Currently, SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global aviation fuel use, but there is a strong need to increase this share. The discussions focused on overcoming key challenges in SAF production, including feedstock shortages, high production costs, and the need for improved infrastructure.
The Indian minister highlighted, “By collaborating on SAF production, both countries will make significant progress in reducing carbon emissions in the aviation sector.”
Talks on Critical Minerals
In addition to biofuels and SAF, both sides initiated discussions on cooperation in critical minerals and their value chains. The potential for collaboration in deep and ultra-deep offshore exploration in India’s waters was also explored.
Joint Ministerial Meeting on Clean Domestic Fuel in 2025
India and Brazil agreed to co-host a Ministerial Meeting on Clean Domestic Fuel during India Energy Week in February 2025. This meeting will focus on exploring collaborative pathways to enhance access to clean domestic fuel on a global scale.
Strategic Partnership Between India and Brazil
Both nations stressed that this cooperation would not only help achieve sustainable development goals but also strengthen energy security for both countries. India and Brazil are committed to leading the way in clean energy on the global stage.
Brazil’s energy minister commented, “This partnership between India and Brazil will set a new direction in the global energy sector.”
(Economy India)
Source (PIB)
