‘Mutual Interest’: Brazil’s Lula Calls PM Modi, Flags Trump’s ‘One-Sided’ Tariffs
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held a phone discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the “imposition of one-sided tariffs”, signalling a united effort to resist US President Donald Trump’s aggressive levies that have shaken the global economy.
The two BRICS nations, both subjected to a 50% tariff—the steepest rate declared by Trump—spoke about scheduling a Brazilian state visit to India early next year and reiterated their goal of boosting bilateral trade to over $20 billion by 2030, Lula said in a post on X.
PM Modi, in turn, highlighted the commitment of both nations to strengthening their partnership.
“Had a pleasant conversation with President Lula. Expressed my gratitude for the warm hospitality during my visit to Brazil,” he posted on X, referring to his participation in the recent BRICS summit hosted in the South American nation.
“We are focused on enhancing our Strategic Partnership across sectors including trade, energy, technology, defence, health and more. A robust, people-oriented collaboration among Global South nations benefits all,” he added.
Though Lula openly mentioned the tariff issue, PM Modi’s post and the Indian press note did not specifically mention the term.
An official Indian statement regarding the call noted that the “two leaders shared perspectives on regional and international matters of shared concern” and agreed to keep in regular contact.
“…they reaffirmed their intent to elevate the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership to greater levels,” it said.
Trump’s tariff drive has emerged as a unifying concern for two major developing economies and BRICS founding members, both currently facing unprecedented US duties.
Lula’s country was hit with 50% tariffs over what Trump described as a “witch hunt” targeting former President Jair Bolsonaro. In India’s case, Trump alleged that New Delhi was assisting Russia’s “war machine” in Ukraine by purchasing Russian crude, despite the fact that the US and EU continue to import from Russia without similar criticism.
While Lula has been an outspoken opponent of Trump’s tariff policies, India has maintained that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests. Trade talks between New Delhi and Washington are presently underway.
During the hour-long conversation, President Lula also confirmed his upcoming state visit to New Delhi scheduled for early next year.
“In this regard, we confirmed Brazil’s State visit to India in early 2026. As a preparatory step, Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin will visit India this October during the Trade Monitoring Mechanism meeting. The delegation will include Brazilian ministers and business leaders to explore cooperation in areas like trade, defence, energy, critical minerals, healthcare, and digital access,” Lula posted on X.
President Lula reached out to fellow BRICS leaders after declining Trump’s open invitation for a phone call, stating that he would not speak with the US leader because Trump “does not want to have a dialogue”. Instead, he said, “I will call Xi Jinping, I will call Prime Minister Modi. I won’t call Putin because he cannot travel at the moment. But I will reach out to many Presidents.”
He also declared that Brazil would employ every available platform, including the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to defend its interests.
Furthermore, Lula said he would consult with other BRICS nations, including Russia and South Africa, to understand how each is being affected by the tariff measures. “I will try to have discussions with them about how each country is coping with this situation and what the consequences are, so we can take a joint decision,” he added. “Let’s not forget that BRICS now includes ten nations within the G20.”
Tensions heightened last month when Trump branded the BRICS alliance “anti-American” and warned of an extra 10% tariff on goods from its member nations.
