Space cooperation between India and Brazil is also quietly expanding. What possibilities do you see there?

India possesses advanced capabilities in satellite imaging and precision weather forecasting, areas that are extremely valuable for Brazil, especially for agriculture and environmental monitoring.

Brazil, in turn, can support India through ground stations that facilitate satellite data transmission as Indian satellites pass over Brazilian territory.

Agriculture is another complementary area. India has advanced forecasting technologies while Brazil possesses highly developed agricultural expertise, including productive seed technologies and modern farming techniques. Together, this creates significant opportunities.

For many Indians, Brazil evokes memories of football, samba and Pelé. How important is culture in strengthening bilateral ties?

Culture remains enormously important. It is heartening to see the passion for Brazilian football in India, particularly in Kolkata. Pelé’s historic visit there remains legendary.

At the same time, Indians may be surprised to know how popular yoga and Ayurveda have become in Brazil. Ayurveda is actually available through Brazil’s public healthcare system free of cost.

Bollywood films are also gaining popularity in Brazil, especially through streaming platforms such as Netflix. These cultural exchanges create emotional connections that complement our economic and strategic partnership.

Looking ahead ten years from now, where do you see India-Brazil relations?

I see two major democracies of the Global South becoming increasingly prosperous while relying more and more on each other.

There will be deeper economic complementarity, stronger technological cooperation and greater convergence in values. Both India and Brazil have chosen the democratic path to development, and that shared commitment matters enormously.

I believe the future of our partnership is exceptionally promising.

Excellency, I have always been fascinated by Portuguese naming traditions. In your case, “Haczynski” clearly suggests Polish roots. I understand your mother’s family came from Poland, which perhaps also explains your early association with classical music and your time studying in Warsaw?

Yes, that is correct. My mother was Polish and was born in Poland. During the Second World War, my grandfather, who was a Polish diplomat, left Europe with the family and they eventually settled in Brazil as refugees.

So I grew up with both Brazilian and Polish influences. And yes, being half-Polish almost naturally meant exposure to classical music. I spent time studying music in Warsaw, which was a very enriching experience for me personally.

On my Brazilian side, my family comes from the northeast of Brazil and has traditionally been involved in sugarcane cultivation and land ownership. So in many ways, my life has been shaped by two very different but equally rich cultural inheritances.

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https://www.youtube.com/atch?v=Cf1yoAzZm6g&t=225s