(BSS/AFP) - The leaders of Brazil and India vowed Thursday in a telephone call to "defend multilateralism" after US President Donald Trump imposed punishing tariffs on imports from both their countries.

The talks between Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came a day after Trump announced 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods, matching the punishing taxes he has imposed on a raft of Brazilian goods.

Brazil`s presidency said that the two leaders had stressed the need "to defend multilateralism and confront the economic challenges" posed by Trump`s tariff war.

Writing on X, Modi said he was committed to deepening ties with fellow BRICS member Brazil, adding: "A strong people-centric partnership between Global South nations benefits everyone."

Trump on Wednesday announced he would double levies on Indian goods to 50 percent over New Delhi`s purchasing of Russian oil, a key revenue source for Moscow`s war in Ukraine.

A first salvo of 25 percent tariffs on Indian goods took effect on Thursday, with the additional 25 percent set to enter effect in three weeks.

Trump has also singled out Brazil for particular punishment -- for putting his ally, former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, on trial for plotting a coup.

On Wednesday, a range of Brazilian exports to the United States, including coffee, became subject to 50-percent levies.