Amid intensifying trade tensions, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on August 6, 2025, that he will strengthen partnerships with BRICS nations, particularly India, while categorically declining dialogue with US President Donald Trump. The move follows the US imposition of a sweeping 50% tariff and sanctions against a Brazilian Supreme Court justice, actions Lula has condemned as politically motivated and encroachments on Brazil’s sovereignty. During the July 6–7 BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lula emphasized the bloc’s role in promoting multipolarity and peace, and in talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Brasília, the two leaders set a $20billion trade target and agreed to deepened cooperation on issues ranging from defense to sustainable development.