Science TechnologyWednesday, 25 February 2026·The Hindu / PIB
India-Brazil TKDL access pact strengthens patent examination and anti-biopiracy cooperation
India and Brazil signed a TKDL access agreement during Lula’s 18–22 February 2026 State Visit, giving Brazil’s INPI direct access to India’s traditional knowledge database.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In February 2026, India and Brazil exchanged an agreement that gave Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) direct access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s State Visit to India from 18–22 February 2026.
Key specifics
- TKDL is a joint initiative of CSIR and the Ministry of AYUSH, established in 2001.
- The agreement was signed between CSIR, India, and INPI, Brazil.
- TKDL documents prior art from Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga.
- The database is available in 5 languages: English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish.
- The pact is meant to help patent examination by checking novelty and prior art, reducing biopiracy risks.
Exam lens
Science & technology / international relations match-the-following: TKDL—2001, CSIR + Ministry of AYUSH, Brazil’s INPI—direct access, 18–22 February 2026 Lula visit—agreement exchange. TNPSC may ask which body manages TKDL and what traditional systems it covers.