Exciting Expansion: Indian Defence Giant BEL Set to Establish Offices in Brazil, Reveals Ambassador Reddy

In a significant move for India’s defense strategy, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) plans to open its first office in South America, specifically in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This development was confirmed by the Indian Ambassador to Brazil, Suresh Reddy, during an interview with BharatShakti.

Ambassador Reddy mentioned that the paperwork for the new office is being finalized in Delhi. He emphasized that this step is vital for building partnerships and enhancing cooperation in defense.

Reddy also noted the potential collaboration between BEL and Embraer, a leading Brazilian aerospace company, thanks to their shared expertise in electronic systems. This partnership could lead to promising joint projects in the future.

At this time, Brazil is considering India’s Akash surface-to-air missile system, which is part of its Medium/High Altitude Air Defence Artillery System (MD/ADAAe) project. The Akash missile is known for its ability to engage multiple targets and has a range of up to 25 kilometers, making it a strong competitor against Brazil’s current interception systems, which can only cover about 3,000 meters.

A recent study showed that Brazil is weighing the Akash system against China’s Sky Dragon 50, positioning this as a key contest among big defense exporters in Latin America. Both Indian and Brazilian officials have been engaged in talks since Brazil expressed its interest, and some high-ranking Brazilian Army officers are advocating for a faster, government-to-government procurement process.

Additionally, India’s Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) is also expanding its reach in South America. It plans to open an office in São Paulo by June 2025, moving operations from Washington, DC. This office will support financing for defense projects, infrastructure, and other bilateral initiatives.

An official stated that this aligns with India’s ambition to boost defense exports to $6 billion by 2029. With a global loan portfolio of $18.32 billion in 2023–24, Exim Bank aims to provide attractive, low-cost financing options, enhancing the appeal of Indian defense products globally.

These initiatives by BEL and Exim Bank signal a pivotal moment in India-Brazil relations. They demonstrate India’s commitment to being a long-term partner in Brazil’s defense modernization and economic growth. By having a presence in both industry and finance, India strengthens its position in the evolving defense landscape of Latin America.

For further details, visit [BharatShakti](https://bharatshakti.in/india-makes-strategic-inroads-in-brazil-with-akash-missile-exim-bank-facility-co-production-push/).

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