India, Aug. 5 -- Brazil has reduced its diplomatic presence in Argentina after Argentine President Javier Milei renewed personal attacks on President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, marking an unprecedented diplomatic rift between the neighbouring countries in recent history.

Brazil's foreign ministry said Milei had referred to Lula as "a thief" three times since Sunday, prompting the government to maintain its decision to downgrade diplomatic representation in Buenos Aires.

Brazil recalled its ambassador, Julio Bitelli, in July following Milei's earlier remarks against Lula. The country's mission in Argentina is now headed by a charge d'affaires, and Bitelli will not return while Milei continues making hostile comments, a foreign ministry s...