Mayor discusses cooperation in strategic areas with Indian Ambassador

The meeting covered topics such as the pharmaceutical industry and the promotion of startups, as well as tourism and the promotion of cultural events. Credit: Marco Antonio Rezende/City Hall of Rio

The Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Marcelo Crivella, accompanied by the Coordinator of International Relations of the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro, Ambassador Antonio Mello, received at the City Palace, on the afternoon of this Friday (04/12), a delegation composed of the Ambassador of India in Brazil, Mr. Suresh Reddy, the Consul General of India in São Paulo, Mr. Amit Kumar Mishra, the Honorary Consul General of India in Rio de Janeiro and President of the India Brazil Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Leonardo Ananda and the General Coordinator of the India Brazil Chamber of Commerce and Chief Advisor of the Consulate of India in Rio de Janeiro, Ms. Letícia Gomes.

On the occasion, the authorities discussed possibilities of cooperation between India and the City of Rio de Janeiro in strategic areas. The Indian Ambassador stated:

– As a great city and economy, I believe there is great potential for building a strong partnership with Rio in various sectors such as health, pharmaceuticals, IT and tourism.

Mayor Crivella encouraged the promotion of cultural events by Indian institutions as a way of publicizing the country's rich culture in Rio.

Regarding the health crisis caused by the global spread of Covid-19, Ambassador Suresh Reddy reported that in order to immunize its population, in addition to agreements with foreign companies, India is preparing to launch a locally developed vaccine. Regarding Brazilian scientific advances, the Coordinator of International Relations suggested contact between the Indian authorities and the Vital Brazil Institute, which is developing a serum against the new coronavirus.

The Indian delegation will remain on a mission in the city until Sunday, December 07th. With the aim of establishing partnerships to strengthen India's relationship with Rio de Janeiro and Brazil in general, in addition to the meeting at Rio de Janeiro City Hall, the mission's agenda includes visits to educational and cultural organizations and companies in Rio.