In a significant diplomatic move, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke for an hour to coordinate a unified response to the unilateral tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. As the two nations most affected by these protectionist measures, Brazil and India are aligning their strategies to reduce their economic vulnerability. The leaders reinforced their commitment to multilateralism and discussed expanding trade between their countries, with a goal of reaching over $20 billion by 2030.
The conversation also focused on strengthening the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as an alternative geopolitical and economic pole. Both leaders celebrated the success of the recent BRICS Summit in Brazil and began the transition for India to assume the presidency of the bloc. To deepen economic cooperation, they also discussed digital payment platforms like Brazil’s PIX and India’s UPI, and scheduled a preparatory visit by Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin to India in October.
Lula’s office announced that the president is preparing a provisional measure with actions to support Brazilian businesses and protect jobs in light of the tariffs. This coordinated approach with India highlights a broader effort by major developing economies to counter the rising tide of protectionism and defend their national interests on the global stage.
Sources:
Reuters: Brazil and India to coordinate response to US tariffs
Bloomberg: BRICS leaders discuss economic cooperation amid trade tensions
