'Global issues of mutual interest': Amid Donald Trump's tariff pressure, Lula calls PM Modi - here's what they discussed

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke on phone on Thursday amid ongoing tariff tensions from the US. The two leaders exchanged views on various "regional and global issues of mutual interest." Both the nations face 50% tariffs from the US.

"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 said in a post on X.


Brazil President Lula said in a post on X that he discussed "international economic landscape and the imposition of unilateral tariffs. Brazil and India are, thus far, the two most affected countries. We reaffirmed the importance of defending multilateralism and the need to address the challenges of the current situation, as well as to explore possibilities for greater integration between the two countries."

"We also spoke about the successes of the BRICS Summit in Brazil and working together for the transition to the next presidency of the bloc, which will be held by India," he added.


According to an official statement, PM Modi "recalled his visit to Brazil last month during which the two leaders agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties."

"Building on these discussions, they reiterated their commitment to take India-Brazil Strategic Partnership to new heights. The two leaders exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest," it said.

This comes a day after Lula said that he would speak to PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as he refused to call Trump to negotiate. “I will call him, I will call Xi Jinping, I will call Prime Minister Modi. I just won’t call Putin, because Putin can’t travel right now,” he had said.

The Brazilian president has firmly said that his government would pursue all the options that are available, including taking the issue to the World Trade Organization, to oppose Trump’s 50% tariff on its exports.

PM Modi's talks with Lula have taken on new significance in light of additional 25% tariffs imposed on Indian goods. The tariffs, linked to a stalled trade deal and India’s continued imports of Russian oil, have drawn sharp criticism from New Delhi, which has called the move "unjustified" and reaffirmed its commitment to buying Russian crude.