InternationalWednesday, 25 February 2026·The Hindu
India-Brazil TKDL access deal: CSIR, INPI and Article 3-style IP protection facts
India granted Brazil access to the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library during Lula’s February 2026 State Visit.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In February 2026, India and Brazil formalised an agreement during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s State Visit (18–22 February 2026) to give Brazil access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), with CSIR and Brazil’s INPI as the signatories.
Key specifics
- TKDL was established in 2001 as a joint initiative of CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH.
- The database covers Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga.
- Brazil’s INPI will use TKDL for patent examination and grant processes.
- The agreement aims to prevent biopiracy and erroneous patents on indigenous knowledge.
- The exchange was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Lula during the 18–22 February 2026 visit.
Exam lens
International relations and science-policy linkage, CSIR–INPI agreement, TKDL 2001, biopiracy prevention, patent novelty and prior art — a TNPSC one-liner may ask which library protects traditional knowledge and which country gained access in 2026.