Brazilian President dials PM Modi; both leaders agree to boost ties

Prime Minister narendra Modi with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. (Credit: X/@LulaOficial)

A day after US President Donald Trump imposed an additional 25% tariff on India, taking the total to 50%, Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and discussed enhancing cooperation in trade. Incidentally, Brazil too faces 50% tariffs from the US.

A statement released by the Prime Minister’ Office on Thursday evening said both countries agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties.

“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 South nations benefits everyone,” PM Modi posted on X after the call.

As per reports, Lula da Silva had earlier said he planned to call the leaders of India and China to discuss a joint response to tariffs imposed by President Trump. He had said he will initiate a conversation with the BRICS group on tackling Trump’s tariffs. The Brazilian President is expected to call his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in the next few days to discuss the tariff issue.