Lula da Silva Intends to Meet with Indian PM Modi and Chinese President Xi on Economic Sanctions
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced plans to engage with leaders of BRICS nations, specifically Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, to formulate a united response to the recent tariff hikes imposed by the United States, reports 24brussels.
During an interview with Reuters, Lula highlighted the significant impact of the 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports, enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump. These tariffs came into effect on Wednesday, coinciding with a 25% increase on Indian goods, targeting critiques of India’s dealings with Russian oil.
“I’ll try to discuss with them how each country is affected by the situation and what the implications are for each one, so we can make a decision,” Lula stated, emphasizing the shared concerns among BRICS members, ten of whom also participate in the G20. This affiliation, he argued, amplifies the bloc’s influence on global political and economic affairs.
Lula’s response to the lack of communication from President Trump was clear: “I haven’t called him because he doesn’t want a call. I have no reason to call President Trump, because in the letters he’s sent and in his decisions, there’s never any mention of negotiations — what he talks about are new threats.” Despite the ongoing tensions, Lula indicated that Brazilian negotiators had met with U.S. officials ten times since May, asserting that he prefers not to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. products.
“I could announce a tariff on U.S. products,” he noted, “But I won’t, because I don’t want to act like President Trump. I want to show that if one doesn’t want to fight, two don’t fight — and I don’t want to fight with the United States.” Lula’s remarks reflect his commitment to maintaining open dialogues, despite the escalated tariffs that threaten Brazilian trade.
