Lula da Silva says Brazil is no one's backyard

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asserted that his country does not belong to any other nation's sphere of influence. The remark underscores Brasília's insistence on sovereign decision-making in foreign and economic affairs. Lula's stance reflects a broader push to present Brazil as an independent global actor rather than a subordinate partner. The statement was reported by the Economic Times, though the full article text was not provided for further detail.