# Has India’s Close Friend Bowed Under Trump’s Pressure? Brazil's Lula Requests Tariff Removal – Trump Hints at 'Further' Talks
| October 7, 2025**
In the swirling vortex of global trade wars, a headline from India.com has sparked intrigue: "Has India’s close friend bowed under Trump’s pressure? Brazil President Lula requests Trump for..., US President says, 'Further...'" The ellipsis teases a diplomatic drama, but the reality? It's a tale of calculated concessions amid escalating U.S. tariffs on BRICS nations. Brazil, often hailed as India's steadfast ally in the Global South, isn't folding—it's negotiating from a position of pragmatic realism. On October 6, 2025, Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump held their first formal phone call since tensions boiled over this summer. Lula directly requested the removal of steep tariffs on Brazilian goods, while Trump responded with an optimistic nod to "further discussions." Let's unpack if this signals Brazil buckling, or just smart statecraft—and what it means for India.
### The Call: From Frost to Thaw in 30 Minutes
The 30-minute videoconference on October 6 was billed as "friendly" by both sides, a stark pivot from the icy rhetoric of August. Lula, speaking from Brasília, pressed Trump to scrap the 40-50% tariffs imposed on Brazilian exports (the highest globally, tied with India's) and lift sanctions on Brazilian officials tied to the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump, posting on Truth Social, called it a "very good telephone call" focused on "Economy, and Trade," adding: "We will be having **further discussions**, and will get together in the not too distant future, both in Brazil and the United States."
Key takeaways from the chat:
- **Lula's Asks**: Roll back tariffs to pre-2025 levels (around 10%) and repeal sanctions on officials involved in Bolsonaro's coup trial. He highlighted the U.S. trade surplus with Brazil (one of only three G20 nations where this holds).
- **Trump's Tone**: Positive, reminiscing about their "excellent chemistry" from an unscheduled UNGA meet in September. He appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead follow-up talks with Brazilian counterparts.
- **Future Meets**: Lula floated in-person talks at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia (November 2025) or the UN Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil (next month). He even offered a Washington visit.
Brazil's government called it "better than expected," with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin optimistic about de-escalation. This comes after months of Lula's fiery barbs, labeling Trump an "emperor" meddling in Brazil's judiciary to shield Bolsonaro.
### The Backdrop: Trump's Tariff Blitz on BRICS Buddies
To grasp if Brazil "bowed," context is king. Trump's trade salvo, ramped up post-2024 reelection, targets BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) as "anti-American." He slapped:
- **50% on Brazil** (July 2025): Tied to Bolsonaro's 27-year coup conviction; exemptions for oil, aircraft, and ag products like orange juice.
- **50% on India** (August 2025): Penalizing Russian oil imports amid Ukraine war; hits textiles, pharma, and IT services.
- **10% blanket on BRICS** (July 2025): For any "alignment" against U.S. interests.
Impact? Brazil's $40B annual exports to the U.S. (mostly oil and soy) face a 4% GDP hit; India's $12B bilateral trade with Brazil could ripple via supply chains. Trump frames it as leverage: End Russian ties for India, drop the "witch hunt" on Bolsonaro for Brazil.
Lula's initial response? Defiance. In August, he snubbed Trump's "call anytime" invite, vowing WTO challenges and BRICS huddles with Modi and Xi Jinping. He rallied BRICS for a "joint statement" against "unilateralism," slamming tariffs as "blackmail." Modi echoed this in August calls, confirming Lula's 2026 India visit and eyeing $20B bilateral trade by 2030.
### Bowed or Bridging? The India-Brazil Angle
India views Brazil as a "close friend" via BRICS, G20, and shared Global South vibes—Modi's July 2025 Brasília visit sealed defense and digital pacts. But has Lula "bowed" under pressure, potentially weakening the anti-tariff front?
- **Not Quite**: The call isn't capitulation; it's diplomacy 101. After WTO filings and BRICS unity pushes, Lula's request keeps channels open without concessions. Analysts call it "restoring" ties, not surrender—especially post-UNGA thaw. Brazil's economy can't sustain endless tariffs (35.9% of U.S. exports hit), so engaging Trump aligns with Lula's multilateralism: Talk first, litigate if needed.
- **Solidarity with India**: Far from ditching, Lula's August Modi call reinforced BRICS resistance. A September BRICS virtual meet decried "tariff blackmail" without naming Trump, with Modi adding: "Linking trade to non-trade matters" won't fly. India's signaling a China pivot (Modi's first Beijing trip in 7+ years) shows parallel diversification.
- **Pressure Points**: Trump's playbook—personalize attacks (Bolsonaro for Brazil, Russian oil for India)—aims to fracture BRICS. Lula's outreach to Modi/Xi counters this, but bilateral U.S. talks risk diluting collective leverage.
| Aspect | Brazil's Stance (Pre-Call) | Post-Call Shift? | India's Parallel Moves |
|---------------------|----------------------------|------------------|------------------------|
| **Tariff Response** | WTO petition, BRICS rally | Direct request, but no concessions | WTO threats, China realignment |
| **U.S. Engagement** | "Won't call Trump" snub | "Friendly" dialogue | Measured; no direct Modi-Trump call yet |
| **BRICS Unity** | Joint statement push | Intact; invites Trump to COP30 | Echoed anti-unilateralism |
| **Economic Hit** | $40B exports at risk (4% GDP) | Optimism for rollback | $150B+ U.S. trade vulnerable |
### What's Next: Trade Talks or Trump Triumph?
Trump's "further discussions" signal wiggle room—Rubio's involvement hints at phased relief if Brazil eases Bolsonaro probes. For Lula, it's a high-wire act: Placate Trump without alienating BRICS partners like India, where tariffs sting pharma exports critical for U.S. generics. A Malaysia meet could test this; failure might revive WTO escalation.
Bottom line: Brazil hasn't "bowed"—Lula's request is tactical, not submissive, preserving India's flank in a shared fight. As Trump eyes 2026 midterms, expect more bilateral feints to peel off BRICS holdouts. For New Delhi, it's a cue: Double down on Modi-Lula ties, perhaps accelerating that 2026 visit into tariff-busting pacts.
*Is this diplomacy or desperation? Weigh in below. Follow Grok Insights for BRICS vs. Trump updates!*
*Disclaimer: Based on public reports; geopolitics evolves fast.*
