Lula in India soon: PM after speaking to Brazilian President amid US tariff heat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday, announcing that he will be welcoming the South American leader to India soon. The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to announce the schedule of his trip. The PM emphasised that close cooperation between India and Brazil remains crucial for advancing the shared interests of the Global South.

The Brazilian president will visit India as both countries prepare for increased diplomatic engagement this year amid the US tariff heat.

During the call, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the progress of the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership.

"Glad to speak with President Lula. We reviewed the strong momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, which is poised to scale new heights in the year ahead," Modi said in a post on X.

He added, "Our close cooperation is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South. I look forward to welcoming him to India soon."

Before this, the two leaders spoke in August last year, where the conversation included a review of recent global developments, with President Lula raising the issue of new tariffs imposed by the US.

Brazilian President Lula revealed that he discussed the "imposition of unilateral tariffs" with PM Modi after US President Trump imposed a 50% tariff on both countries. However, in November, Trump lifted the 40% tariffs he had imposed on certain Brazilian food products.

President Lula has previously expressed concerns about the impact of these trade measures, stating, "What President Trump is doing is tacit -- he wants to dismantle multilateralism."

India-Brazil trade has seen substantial growth, with bilateral merchandise trade reaching USD 12.19 billion in FY 2024–25, making Brazil India’s largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Both leaders agreed to keep communication channels open and to pursue closer collaboration in agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.

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