Modi and Xi on Speed Dial: What’s Behind Lula’s Urgent Talks on World Order?

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made two high-profile calls on January 23–24, 2026, reaching out first to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and later to Chinese President Xi Jinping in rapid succession, marking a noteworthy push in global diplomacy following the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The initiative came as world leaders launched or discussed new global initiatives at Davos — including the U.S.-led “Board of Peace” aimed at addressing conflicts like Gaza — prompting mixed reactions internationally.

Strengthening India-Brazil Strategic Partnership

During the call with PM Modi, Lula reiterated Brazil’s commitment to deepening its India-Brazil strategic alliance, a partnership that has grown through multiple engagements over the past year.

Areas of Cooperation Highlighted

• Enhanced trade and investment relations

• Collaboration in technology, energy, health, agriculture, and defence

• Strengthening people-to-people and multilateral ties

Modi affirmed the strong momentum in the partnership and also mentioned plans to host Lula on an upcoming state visit to India, further underscoring the growing bilateral engagement.

Coordination with China on Global Governance

In his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Lula focused on broader multilateral cooperation and international stability.

Xi’s Message of Support

Xi underscored the importance of Brazil and China working together as constructive forces amid a “turbulent” global landscape, emphasizing a joint commitment to a rules-based international order and the central role of the United Nations.

Their dialogue reaffirmed the solid momentum in China-Brazil cooperation, including shared goals for sustainable development and coordination within the Global South.

Geopolitical Context and Reactions

Amid Western Initiatives

The timing of Lula’s outreach comes as the U.S. has advanced its own diplomatic agenda — notably through Trump’s Board of Peace launched at Davos — a move that has drawn criticism from some emerging economies for potentially encroaching on the traditional role of the UN.

Brazil’s government has been publicly cautious of Trump’s initiative, and Lula himself has voiced concerns about alternative global governance frameworks that sideline established multilateral institutions.

BRICS and Emerging Alignments

Observers see Lula’s simultaneous engagement with India and China as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties within BRICS and counterbalance geopolitical pressures — including U.S. trade policies and regional security concerns — while promoting South-South cooperation.

What This Means Going Forward

• India-Brazil ties are positioned for deeper strategic cooperation and expanded trade

• China-Brazil cooperation reinforces shared interests on global governance and multilateralism

• Lula’s outreach signals an active role for Brazil in shaping a multipolar diplomatic landscape beyond traditional Western-led frameworks