In a show of solidarity amid escalating US trade measures, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received a telephone call from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, with both leaders vowing to deepen their strategic partnership and coordinate closely on global challenges.
The conversation came days after the United States imposed steep 50 per cent tariffs on both India and Brazil, a move that has galvanised BRICS nations into closer alignment. According to official readouts, the leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties, alongside key regional and global issues of mutual interest.
President Lula’s office said the call also addressed “the imposition of unilateral tariffs” and explored prospects for greater integration between the two economies. Lula accepted Modi’s invitation to visit India early next year, offering full backing to India’s upcoming BRICS presidency. The Brazilian leader, who has taken a confrontational stance against Washington’s trade policy, underscored the importance of defending multilateralism and working jointly to address the current economic and geopolitical challenges.
While India has avoided direct verbal confrontation with the US administration, it has continued to emphasise the benefits of strong, people-centric partnerships among Global South nations. “A strong, people-centric partnership between Global South nations benefits everyone,” Modi posted on X after the call, noting that the conversation built on the outcomes of his recent Brazil visit.
Had a good conversation with President Lula. Thanked him for making my visit to Brazil memorable and meaningful. We are committed to deepening our Strategic Partnership including in trade, energy, tech, defence, health and more. A strong, people-centric partnership between Global…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2025
Prime Minister Modi had travelled to Brazil on 6–7 July this year, marking a significant chapter in India–Brazil relations. During that visit, he was conferred with the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross, Brazil’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Talks during the July visit spanned a wide spectrum of cooperation, from trade and investment to defence, health, agriculture, space, renewable energy, and digital public infrastructure. Both sides committed to boosting bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years and agreed to work on expanding the India–MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement. A Ministerial-level mechanism for trade and commercial dialogue was established to accelerate progress.
Energy security and sustainability were central to the July discussions, with both nations agreeing to explore mutual investment opportunities in hydrocarbons and renewables. On counter-terrorism, Brazil extended strong support to India following the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack, with both leaders reaffirming zero tolerance towards terrorism.
The visit also witnessed the signing of six MoUs covering counter-terrorism, digital cooperation, renewable energy, agricultural research, intellectual property rights, and the exchange of classified information. Cooperation on climate action was another focal point, with Modi conveying his best wishes for Brazil’s hosting of the COP-30 climate summit.
Thursday’s call reaffirmed the momentum generated during the July engagements, with both Modi and Lula determined to take the India–Brazil strategic partnership to new heights in the face of shifting global trade and security dynamics.
