Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a telephone call from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil on August 7 (Thursday), marking another step in the ongoing cooperation between the two nations. During the conversation, PM Modi fondly recalled his visit to Brazil last month, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality that made the trip both memorable and meaningful.
Focus on expanding cooperation across key sectors
Building on the foundation laid during the recent visit, both leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in multiple crucial areas, including trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people connections. They underscored the importance of a strong, people-centric partnership between Global South nations, highlighting that such cooperation benefits all parties involved.
In a post on X, PM Modi highlighted the importance of a strong, people-centric partnership between Global South nations, emphasising that such collaboration benefits everyone. He expressed gratitude to President Lula for making his visit to Brazil memorable and meaningful and reaffirmed their joint resolve to deepen ties in multiple strategic sectors.
Dialogue on regional and global affairs
Beyond bilateral issues, PM Modi and President Lula exchanged views on various regional and global challenges and opportunities of mutual interest, reflecting their shared commitment to address international matters cooperatively.
Both leaders had a constructive telephone conversation, during which PM Modi recalled his recent visit to Brazil. The two leaders agreed on a framework aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people relations. Building on these discussions, they reiterated their shared commitment to elevate the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership to new heights. They also exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest and agreed to maintain close communication.Dialogue takes place amidst rising tariffs from US
The phone call occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, citing India’s import of Russian oil. Brazil is also facing similar tariff challenges from the United States. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs condemned the U.S. move as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable," affirming that New Delhi will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests.
President Lula announced he would not reach out to President Trump regarding the tariffs but plans to invite him to the upcoming COP climate summit. Lula mentioned his intention to call Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signalling an effort to coordinate with key global leaders amid the ongoing trade tensions.
Commitment to ongoing engagement
The leaders concluded their conversation with a mutual agreement to maintain close contact, signalling their intent to continue advancing the India-Brazil Strategic Partnership to new heights in the months and years ahead.
