NEW DELHI: Ahead of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to India next week, Embraer — which recently announced setting up a final assembly line here with the Adani Group — has stepped up its engagement with the country. An executive-level visit by the Brazilian aerospace major brass has kicked off work to expand & strengthen its supply chain in India — a crucial link for the FAL where all parts and spared are brought together to be assembled to roll out aircraft.“We reaffirm our strong commitment to collaborating with India’s aerospace industry. Our focus is on advancing joint initiatives in defence and civil aviation, contributing to technological innovation, operational excellence, and long-term strategic partnerships. India is a key partner in shaping the future of aerospace, and we are dedicated to building sustainable cooperation that supports both the domestic industrial base and global initiatives,” said Roberto Chaves, EVP of global procurement and supply chain at Embraer.The company says it is committed to “deepening industrial cooperation between Brazil and India and exploring new business opportunities across its portfolios.”“This visit builds on Embraer’s longstanding presence in India and follows ongoing discussions with local industry players and government stakeholders. Embraer assessed a range of potential suppliers in India, including capabilities in aerostructures assembly, machining, metal forming, composites, wiring systems, and hardware and software development,” Embraer said in a statement.“Embraer views India as a key strategic partner in the Asia‑Pacific region and plans to implement an extensive local supply chain program in the country. Recently, the company inaugurated its Indian office in New Delhi, further strengthening its Asia‑Pacific footprint. A dedicated local procurement team has also been established to support Embraer’s supply chain initiatives in India.”India represents a strategic market for Embraer across all of its business segments. The company currently has a fleet of more than 44 aircraft operating in the country, serving customers in commercial aviation, executive aviation, and defence & security. This includes five Embraer VIP jets operated by the Indian government and three EMB 145 AEW “Netra” aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force.