Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva would visit India soon, underlining that closer cooperation between the two countries is essential for advancing the shared interests of the Global South.
The remarks came after Modi spoke to Lula over the phone, during which the two leaders reviewed the momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to deepen engagement in the coming year.
“Glad to speak with President Lula. We reviewed the strong momentum in the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, which is poised to scale new heights in the year ahead. Our close cooperation is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South. I look forward to welcoming him to India soon,” Modi said in a post on X.
Lula had earlier confirmed that he would undertake a state visit to India in early 2026. Brazil and India are key partners within BRICS and have consistently coordinated positions on development, trade and global governance issues.
The Modi–Lula conversation took place against the backdrop of ongoing tariff tensions between India and the United States under President Donald Trump’s administration. Trade negotiations between New Delhi and Washington have remained uncertain since steep tariffs were imposed on Indian exports, including a 50 per cent levy that Trump described partly as a “penalty” over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
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Despite the strain, Trump on Thursday struck an optimistic note on India–US ties, expressing confidence that a trade deal would eventually be reached. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, he described Modi as a “fantastic leader” and a “great friend”.
However, mixed signals from Washington have continued to cloud the outlook. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently claimed that trade talks had stalled because Modi had not personally called Trump, a claim India swiftly rejected. Another senior aide suggested tariffs on India could be raised sharply, further adding to the uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Trump’s tariff policies have also affected Brazil. In July last year, Washington imposed a 40 per cent tariff on Brazilian products, in addition to an earlier 10 per cent levy, following legal action in Brazil against former president Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. The additional duties on food products such as beef, coffee and cocoa were later withdrawn in November amid concerns over rising food prices in the US.
Against this complex global trade backdrop, India and Brazil appear keen to strengthen bilateral coordination, positioning their partnership as a pillar of South-South cooperation and a counterweight to growing economic uncertainties.
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