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Lula Defies Trump as U.S. Targets 50+ Nations in BRICS Tariff Threat
A Diplomatic Showdown Over Tariffs and Global Trade
Tensions between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump have escalated into a full-blown diplomatic standoff. At the heart of the crisis: Trump’s threat to impose a 10% tariff on countries aligning with BRICS, a coalition increasingly seeking alternatives to U.S. economic dominance.
In a sharp rebuke, Lula directly challenged Trump’s tariff threats, rejecting what he sees as outdated and coercive economic policies.
Trump’s Tariff Ultimatum Against BRICS
The controversy erupted following Trump’s warning that any nation aligning with BRICS policies would face an “additional 10% tariff.” His administration is reportedly preparing dozens of trade deals and intends to apply tariffs only if countries are deemed “anti-American.”
Trump stated:
“Any Country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”
This statement followed public condemnation by BRICS leaders of recent U.S. military actions and growing dissatisfaction with the global trade order.
Lula: “We Don’t Want an Emperor”
Speaking at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Lula was blunt:
“The world has changed. We don’t want an emperor.”
He elaborated on BRICS’ purpose as a counterbalance to Western dominance:
“This is a set of countries that wants to find another way of organizing the world from the economic perspective. I think that’s why the BRICS are making people uncomfortable.”
Lula also called for a gradual shift away from the dollar:
“The world needs to find a way that our trade relations don’t have to pass through the dollar. Our central banks have to discuss it with central banks from other countries. That’s something that happens gradually until it’s consolidated.”
BRICS Pushes Back: Toward De-Dollarization
With 50+ nations now cooperating with BRICS, including 13 partner countries—Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan—calls for alternative trade systems are growing louder.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared:
“One of our problems today is being dependent on the dollar. BRICS countries must strive to eliminate the dollar in trade as much as possible.”
Other responses:
- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirmed BRICS does not seek confrontation but wants fair trade.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning condemned the tariffs as “tools of coercion” and reaffirmed BRICS’ commitment to “win-win cooperation.”
A Larger Battle Over U.S. Economic Hegemony
What began as a spat between Lula and Trump is fast becoming a global referendum on U.S. trade policy and the dollar’s role in international finance.
More than 40 countries have applied to join BRICS or become partners—driven by:
- Discontent with U.S. dollar hegemony
- Concerns over weaponized trade policies
- Interest in multipolar trade frameworks
The broader implications are clear: this is not just a tariff fight—it’s a challenge to the structure of the global financial order.
Summary:
- Trump threatens 10% tariffs on “anti-American” BRICS-aligned nations.
- Lula responds: “We don’t want an emperor.”
- BRICS members call for de-dollarization and a new economic system.
- Over 50 countries now aligned with BRICS’ growing influence.
- The conflict signals a shift away from U.S.-centric trade norms toward a multipolar financial world.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: Watcher.Guru
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India’s Triumph at BRICS: PM Unites Summit Against Terrorism, Pushes Global Reforms
Modi’s Diplomatic Victory at the 17th BRICS Summit
India emerged as a decisive voice at the 17th BRICS Summit in Brazil, uniting the bloc on a firm stance against terrorism and driving calls for reform of global governance institutions.
🔹 Key Outcomes:
• India led unanimous condemnation of terrorism
• PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam terror attack as an “assault on humanity”
• BRICS declaration demanded action against UN-designated terrorists
Terrorism Takes Center Stage
At the session on Peace and Security, Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message against terrorism, directly addressing the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians.
“This is not just a regional problem—it is an assault on humanity,” the Prime Minister declared.
The Rio de Janeiro Declaration, adopted at the summit’s close, condemned the attack in “the strongest terms”, and emphasized that there can be no “double standards” in the global fight against terrorism.
Para 34 of the declaration, shaped by India’s diplomacy, called for action against those who “abet, finance, covertly or overtly” support terrorism—an implicit rebuke of Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border attacks.
PM Modi: “Victims and Supporters Cannot Be Treated the Same”
Modi reaffirmed India’s long-standing demand for sanctions on those aiding terrorism, stating:
“Victims and supporters of terrorism cannot be weighed on the same scale.”
All 11 BRICS members and partners endorsed the statement, marking a rare moment of consensus on this issue.
However, China’s double game drew attention. While Premier Li Qiang joined the condemnation, Beijing’s ongoing resistance to UN sanctions against Pakistan-based terrorists remained a sticking point.
Modi’s pointed remark about nations offering “silent consent” for terrorism was seen as a direct critique of China’s contradictory position.
Reforming Global Institutions: A Call for Inclusivity
Beyond security, India led the charge for reforming global governance bodies such as the UN Security Council, IMF, World Bank, and WTO.
“We must build a multipolar and inclusive world order,” Modi told the summit.
According to officials, Para 6 of the declaration “strongly endorsed” this message, and highlighted the roles of India and Brazil in amplifying the voice of the Global South.
Innovation and Development: BRICS Research Push
India also proposed a BRICS Science and Research Repository to:
- Strengthen critical mineral supply chains
- Advance responsible AI initiatives
- Support sustainable growth across developing economies
PM Modi held bilateral meetings with Malaysia, Cuba, South Africa, and Vietnam, promoting collaboration in digital infrastructure (like UPI) and the integration of Ayurveda into healthcare innovation.
India’s BRICS Leadership in 2026
With India set to assume the BRICS presidency in 2026, this summit further solidified its position as:
- A global advocate against terrorism
- A champion of institutional reform
- A driver of inclusive and sustainable development
While China’s strategic contradictions remain a challenge, the Rio summit marked a clear diplomatic win for India—one that could shape the direction of the bloc for years to come.
Summary:
- India secured unanimous condemnation of terrorism at BRICS 17.
- The Rio Declaration echoed India’s language on sanctions and double standards.
- PM Modi pushed for UNSC and IMF reform, backed by Global South partners.
- India proposed a BRICS research initiative focused on AI and supply chains.
- As future chair, India’s leadership is seen as a defining force in the bloc’s evolution.
@ Newshounds News™
Source: India Today
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