Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro might seem an odd choice as chief guest at the 71st Republic Day celebrations. President Bolsonaro is the third Brazilian, and the fifth Latin American, head of State to be invited for the Republic Day celebrations. This outreach is also a bridge to Latin America, a region that has been somewhat neglected in Indian foreign policy. President Bolsonaro’s policy shift was reflected in the split between India and Brazil at the WTO. For India, Brazil presents a gateway into untapped Latin America — bilateral trade with the region is only at $40 billion.

Source: Economic Times January 26, 2020 18:13 UTC