Targeted by Donald Trump’s latest protectionist measures, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone on Thursday (7) to discuss bilateral cooperation and the international situation. Lula made the call from the Palácio da Alvorada, a day after the new 50% tariff on Brazilian products imposed by the U.S. government came into effect.
On the same day, Trump announced a 25% tariff on Indian products in retaliation for the country’s trade with Russia. The move serves as a warning to Brazil, which also maintains economic and diplomatic relations with Moscow and could face further sanctions in the event of a second Trump term.
Although Lula’s conversation with Narendra Modi had been planned prior to Washington’s retaliation, the worsening global trade climate dominated the agenda. Both leaders reiterated their interest in expanding trade between Brazil and India and strengthening political alliances within the BRICS group.
Brazil and India are members of BRICS, a bloc of Global South countries that also includes China, Russia, South Africa, and other strategic partners. The group has drawn criticism from Trump, particularly after advancing a proposal to create a common currency for commercial transactions as an alternative to the U.S. dollar. Lula plans to bring the tariff issue to the next BRICS summit and seek a coordinated response to the U.S. offensive.
The Brazilian president is also considering an official visit to India in 2026 as part of his strategy to deepen bilateral relations. About a month ago, Modi met Lula at the Alvorada and argued that trade between the two countries could reach US$20 billion annually if barriers were reduced and exports diversified.
