In an exclusive interview with India Today, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Brazil does not feel threatened by the United States and reiterated his opposition to foreign interference in Venezuela, while responding to questions about US President Donald Trump and developments in the region.
Responding to questions about whether Brazil felt directly threatened by Washington, Lula said his country does not seek confrontation with the United States or any other nation. He said Brazil prefers a “civilised” relationship based on respect for sovereignty and mutual negotiation.
“Brazil does not feel threatened,” he said, adding that when tariffs were imposed on Brazil, his government responded through dialogue. Lula said he had written about the issue and was seeking a direct, person-to-person conversation with Trump to settle differences through negotiation.
He said Brazil wants to treat the United States as it treats India, China or any other country, with respect and without preference, while defending its national interests. He added that he is willing to discuss trade, drug trafficking and critical minerals with Trump, but will not negotiate Brazil’s sovereignty or democracy.
Asked about the US position on Venezuela and whether Brazil felt its “backyard” was under threat, Lula said Brazil’s stance was consistent. He noted that Brazil had condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and had also spoken out on Gaza. He said Brazil cannot accept a situation in which a state from one country captures the president of another country, calling such action “unacceptable” and without explanation.
Referring to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Lula said that if Maduro has to be tried, he must be tried in his own country. He stressed that it is “not admissible” for one nation to interfere in the affairs of another and said the priority is to re-establish democracy in Venezuela.
Lula recalled that several Latin American countries, including Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, suffered military coups in the 1960s, and said external influence played a role in the region during that period. He expressed hope that the current crisis in Venezuela would be resolved by its own people without foreign interference.
