India-Brazil strategic parteners: Brazilian Prez

London, June 2: The Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is reaching India tomorrow on a three-day visit, said the two countries were strategic partners and there was better understanding of each other in three years since his first visit in 2004.

The Brazilian President will lead over 100 member business delegation.

The talks with Dr Singh will focus on renewable energy, infrastructure, defence, information technology, pharmaceuticals, bio-fuel, science and culture, he added.

Mr Silva said India is very strong in the pharmaceuticals sector while Brazil has expertise in bio-fuel and ''We expect an agreement on hydel power projects". The President hopes to have several bilateral agreements signed including extradition treaty.

He expected that trade will touch the target of 2.3 billion dollars by 2010. Since 2004, imports from India has increased by 343 per cent while exports has jumped by 422 per cent.

Mr Silva said Mr Manmohan Singh and I have become friendly over these past year.''

UNI