EAM S Jaishankar is on a three-nation visit to Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held extensive talks with his Brazilian counterpart Foreign Minister Carlos Franca about enhancing collaboration in important fields like defence, counterterrorism, space, trade, petroleum, and pharmaceuticals.

"Co-chaired 8th #IndiaBrazil Joint Commission Meeting with FM Carlos Franca. Comprehensive discussions covered trade &investments, petroleum, biofuels, edible oils & minerals, health, pharma, traditional medicine, S&T, Agri & livestock, space, defence, counter-terrorism & consular domains," he tweeted after the meeting.

After co-chairing the 8th JCM, EAM Jaishankar, who is in the region for the second leg of his first-ever official visit to three Latin American nations, also inked agreements in the domains of taxes and broadcasting.

In another tweet, he added, "Agreements signed in the fields of broadcasting and taxation. Exchanged views on BRICS, IBSA, UN, G20 and the Ukraine conflict."

He thanked the Brazilian government for issuing a commemorative stamp in honour of India’s 75th Independence anniversary. He also appreciated the enhanced trade between the countries.

EAM Jaishankar expressed optimism that the JCM will help to advance India and Brazil's bilateral strategic partnership, and that the agreements reached between the two countries would promote economic cooperation.

Later on, Jaishankar also spoke with Brazil's Minister of the Economy, Paulo Guedes and discussed the strengthening of economic cooperation between India and Brazil.

"A great conversation with Paulo Guedes, Minister of Economy of Brazil. Conveyed warm birthday greetings. Discussed the strengthening of our economic cooperation to meet contemporary global challenges. Appreciated his insights and valued his warm sentiments for India," EAM Jaishankar tweeted.

He addressed aspiring diplomats at the Rio Branco Institute as well.

"Addressed the young diplomats of Brazil at the Rio Branco training Institute. Shared with them the opportunities and challenges that shape the diplomatic profession now. Confident that they will contribute to the rich heritage of Brazilian diplomatic skills," he tweeted.

He had earlier called on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

"An honour to call on President Jair Bolsonaro. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi and congratulations on Brazil’s 200 years of Independence.

Valued his guidance to further develop the #IndiaBrazil strategic partnership," he tweeted.

EAM Jaishankar had visited Paraguay before arriving in Brazil. He will also travel to Argentina.

His visit to these three countries will provide an opportunity to continue the ongoing high-level engagements with India's partners in Latin America, explore new areas of cooperation in the post-pandemic era, and exchange views on issues of bilateral and international significance, the Ministry of External Affairs had said ahead of his trip.