President Jair Bolsonaro’s crude manner, constant attacks on the press, and willingness to dismantle Brazil’s environmental controls have earned him some contempt from the international community. In India, though, where today he begins a four-day visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will roll out the red carpet to the Brazilian far-right leader. Mr. Bolsonaro will be the “chief guest” at India’s Republic Day celebrations, on January 26—the highest honor to a foreign head of state.
The two leaders share many traits in common, the biggest of all being their ultra-nationalist rhetoric and disregard for minorities. Both have also been heavily...