On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a telephonic conversation with Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, emphasizing that he is looking forward to welcoming President Lula to India soon. While the Ministry of External Affairs has yet to announce the specifics of this visit, Modi highlighted the importance of close cooperation between India and Brazil in advancing the shared interests of the Global South. Given the mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs, diplomatic interactions between India and Brazil are expected to intensify this year, setting the stage for President Lula's anticipated visit to India.
During the phone call, Prime Minister Modi underscored the advances made in the India-Brazil strategic partnership. On social media platform 'X', he shared, 'Delighted to converse with President Lula. We reviewed the progress in India-Brazil strategic partnership, ready to achieve new heights in the coming years.' He further stated, 'Our close cooperation is pivotal for advancing the common interests of the Global South. I am keenly looking forward to welcoming him to India soon.'
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Previously, in August of last year, the two leaders had a discussion focusing on recent global developments, where President Lula raised concerns over the new tariffs imposed by the United States. Lula shared that after U.S. President Donald Trump levied a 50% tariff on both countries, he discussed the matter with Prime Minister Modi, describing it as a unilateral decision by Washington. However, in November, Trump retracted the 40% tariffs imposed on some Brazilian food products.
President Lula has previously voiced concerns about the adverse effects of these trade measures, noting, 'To an extent, President Trump's actions undermine multilateralism.' The trade between India and Brazil has seen significant growth in recent years. By the fiscal year 2024-25, bilateral trade had reached USD 12.19 billion, establishing Brazil as India's largest trade partner in Latin America and the Caribbean. Both leaders have agreed to maintain communication and strengthen cooperation in fields like agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.
