Lula's government negotiates a critical minerals agreement with India and avoids granting exclusivity to the US
Brazil is negotiating a critical minerals agreement with India while distancing itself from exclusive arrangements with the United States.
Brazil is actively negotiating a critical minerals agreement with India as part of its efforts to expand cooperation in the minerals sector. This comes ahead of President Luiz Inรกcio Lula da Silva's scheduled visit to India, planned for after Carnival, during which the partnership might be finalized. The Brazilian government is focusing on fostering a robust relationship with India, which it views as beneficial for diversifying its international partnerships.
In contrast, the Brazilian government has explicitly ruled out an exclusive agreement with the United States, particularly in light of recent proposals put forth by President Donald Trump at a ministerial meeting. President Lula's administration has made it clear that it is not interested in any agreements that would isolate China or bind Brazil to a singular supply route for critical minerals in favor of the US. This stance reflects Brazil's commitment to maintaining its independence and preventing limitations on potential trade partnerships.
Additionally, the Brazilian government perceives the recent initiatives by the US, such as the "Geostrategic Resources Engagement Forum," as restrictive and counterproductive to Brazil's interests. With the second-largest reserves of critical minerals globally, Brazil aims to leverage its resources without being tethered to the geopolitical strategies of other countries, thereby ensuring a more balanced and mutually beneficial approach to international relations and resource management.