Gen Francisco Roberto De Albuquerque, Commandant of the Brazilian Army is visiting India from 03-09 December 06. The visit is a landmark event since it is the first such visit by a Brazilian Army Chief. He reciprocates the visit of General JJ Singh to Brazil in May this year.
Defence cooperation as a part of defence diplomacy, is an important tool to enhance national security in consonance with other key players. Of late, countries from South America have evinced keen interest in interacting with the Indian Army, especially due to the reputed training institutions and rich operational experience of the Indian Army, both in conventional and sub- conventional warfare.
This visit by the Brazilian Chief carries forward the impetus given by the COAS' visit earlier this year and will give impetus to exchanging each other's expertise in respective areas of core competence to enhance our defence cooperation with Brazil. He will be visiting the BrahMos Aerospace, the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School in Mizoram and HQ Eastern Command. Visits to Srinagar and Agra have also been programmed. In addition, Gen Albuquerque will also be making Office Calls on the Hon'ble RM, the Service Chiefs and the Defence Secretary. There will be discussions on mutual cooperation in the fields of courses, training for UN operations, mountain and jungle warfare, sports and adventure activities and interaction between strategic think tanks on either side.
Recognizing the growing convergence and mutual concerns of both nations, the Govt has approved deputing of a Defence Attache in Brasilia. The positioning of the Attache will further assist in coordinating and executing the agreed activities of these visits. The recent exchange of high-level visits between the two Armies will foster the bilateral relationship into a mutually beneficial partnership.