New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva held crucial discussions on Thursday, confirming the upcoming Lula India visit scheduled for February. The conversation comes at a critical juncture as both nations navigate challenging tariff tensions imposed by US President Donald Trump, highlighting the growing importance of cooperation among Global South countries.
Lula India Visit Dates Confirmed for February
People familiar with the matter confirmed that the Lula India visit will take place during February 19-21. Lula personally dialled Modi to discuss his upcoming trip to New Delhi, where he will participate in the AI Impact Summit and hold bilateral meetings with the Indian Prime Minister.
The Lula India visit was initially announced last August when the Brazilian President committed to undertaking a state visit to India in early 2026. The timing of this visit assumes particular significance given the current global economic challenges and shared concerns over US trade policies.
Strategic Partnership Poised for New Heights
Following their telephonic conversation, Modi expressed enthusiasm about the strengthening bilateral relationship. “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,” Modi stated on social media.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Lula India visit represents an opportunity to deepen cooperation vital for advancing shared interests of the Global South. “Our close cooperation is vital for advancing the shared interests of the Global South. I look forward to welcoming him to India soon,” he added.
Comprehensive Bilateral Cooperation Review
According to an official readout from the Indian government, Modi and Lula recalled their meetings in Brazil and South Africa last year during the Lula India visit discussion. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at significant progress achieved across diverse areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, technology, defence, energy, health, agriculture, and people-to-people ties.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues and underscored the importance of reformed multilateralism in addressing shared challenges. This emphasis on multilateral reform aligns with both countries’ vision for a more equitable global governance system.
Context of Trump’s Tariff Offensive
The Lula India visit preparation occurs against the backdrop of aggressive tariff policies implemented by the Trump administration. Both India and Brazil have been hit with substantial tariffs, with India facing a massive 50% levy on exports to the United States—half of which Trump labeled a “penalty” over India’s purchase of Russian oil.
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When Lula announced the state visit last August, he was actively engaged in efforts to rally members of the BRICS grouping, currently chaired by India, on tackling tariffs imposed by Trump. The Lula India visit is expected to include discussions on coordinated responses to these economic challenges.
Trump’s Evolving Position on India
Despite the tariff tensions, Trump expressed confidence in achieving a “good” trade deal with India during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. “I have a great respect for your prime minister (Modi). He is a fantastic man and a friend of mine. We are gonna have a good deal,” Trump stated.
However, nearly five months after the tariffs took effect, continued uncertainty surrounds when a trade deal may be struck. The Lula India visit may provide both countries an opportunity to discuss strategies for managing relations with the unpredictable US administration.
Complications in US-India Trade Negotiations
Trade negotiations between Indian and US officials have been underway since before the tariffs took effect, with formal talks beginning in March-April last year. Recent statements by Trump administration officials have deepened the mystery surrounding potential agreements.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick claimed that a potential trade deal fell through because Modi did not call Trump, though India quickly rejected these claims. Another aide recently suggested Trump had greenlit a bill that could hike tariffs on India to 500%, raising concerns about the future trajectory of bilateral relations that the Lula India visit may address.
Brazil’s Tariff Experience with Trump
The Trump administration had imposed a 40% tariff on Brazilian products in July on top of a 10% tariff imposed earlier. These tariffs were retaliatory measures for the Brazilian Supreme Court’s conviction of Trump ally and Lula’s predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, for attempting a coup.
However, the 40% tariffs on Brazilian food products, including beef, coffee, cocoa, and fruits, were later withdrawn in November. Rising food prices had become a major factor behind Trump’s declining approval ratings, demonstrating the domestic political costs of aggressive trade policies that may be discussed during the Lula India visit.
BRICS Dynamics and Future Engagement
India and Brazil are key members of the BRICS grouping, which Trump has repeatedly attacked, claiming the bloc works to undermine the US dollar by settling trade in national currencies. People familiar with the matter indicated that Lula is unlikely to attend the BRICS Summit in India later this year, as he is expected to focus on his campaign ahead of Brazil’s general election in October.
The Lula India visit in February will therefore represent a crucial bilateral engagement before Brazil’s electoral season intensifies, allowing both leaders to solidify cooperation frameworks and coordinate positions on pressing global issues.
Looking Forward
The confirmed Lula India visit represents a significant diplomatic engagement that extends beyond bilateral relations to encompass broader Global South solidarity in the face of economic pressures from developed nations. As both countries navigate challenging international waters, their partnership assumes increasing strategic importance for shaping a more balanced global economic order.
