Lula dials PM Modi, set to visit India soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva would visit India soon. The statement came after Lula dialled Modi and the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the India-Brazil strategic partnership.

“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,” said the Prime Minister. The schedule of Lula's visit is however yet to be announced. In a statement tonight, the PMO said both leaders noted significant progress in trade and investment, technology, defence, energy, health, agriculture and people-to-people ties. The leaders also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, it said.

The PM conveyed to the Brazilian President that he looked forward to welcoming him to India at an early date. In the phone call that came at a time of growing disruptions in the world order, with US President Donald Trump upending existing equations, the leaders exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

They underscored the importance of reformed multilateralism in addressing shared challenges. Recalling meetings last year in Brasília and South Africa, the two leaders noted with satisfaction the significant progress achieved across diverse areas of bilateral cooperation.

The two leaders had earlier spoken in August last year. In that call, Lula had raised the issue of soaring US tariffs. The US had however later lifted the 40 % tariff imposed on the food products of Brazil. Cooperation between the two nations is an important cooperation in the wake of shared commitment to the development of Global South. India and Brazil's bilateral trade was over $12 billion in Financial Year 2024-25.