NEW DELHI: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the imposition of 50% tariffs by the United States on both Brazil and India, as well as explore deeper bilateral integration. The call came as both nations navigate the fallout from the unilateral trade measures announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
According to a readout from Lula’s office, the Brazilian president expressed support for India’s upcoming BRICS presidency and accepted PM Modi’s invitation to visit India early next year.
During the hour-long conversation, Lula emphasized that Brazil and India were the two countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of defending multilateralism and jointly addressing global economic challenges. While India has opted for a cautious approach and avoided open confrontation with Trump, Lula has taken a firmer stand, publicly rejecting direct talks with the former U.S. president, which he said would only lead to “humiliation.”
However, despite the tough rhetoric, Lula has kept the door open for trade negotiations with the U.S., much like India, which continues to seek a balanced economic engagement with Washington.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, described his conversation with Lula as a reaffirmation that a strong, people-centric partnership among Global South countries is in the interest of all. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation across sectors.
As a preparatory step for Lula’s upcoming visit, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is scheduled to visit India this October to participate in the Trade Monitoring Mechanism meeting. The Brazilian delegation will include ministers and business leaders, and discussions will focus on expanding cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical minerals, health, and digital inclusion.
A statement from the Indian government said that Modi and Lula also exchanged views on regional and global issues, and reiterated their commitment to deepening ties in trade, technology, energy, agriculture, health, defence, and people-to-people engagement.
Recalling his recent visit to Brazil, PM Modi noted the framework established during that trip to enhance bilateral ties. “Building on these discussions, they reiterated their commitment to take the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership to new heights,” the Indian statement said, adding that the two leaders agreed to stay in close contact.
Meanwhile, according to a Reuters report from Brasília, Lula remains open to negotiating a trade agreement with the U.S. but has pushed back firmly on Trump’s criticism regarding the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a matter of national sovereignty and judicial independence.
