Quick reads
- Modi, Trump hold phone conversation as India-US tariff and trade negotiations continue in New Delhi.
- Leaders review India-US ties and agree to deepen cooperation on peace, stability and prosperity.
- Trade, defence, and energy were also discussed, reflecting a broad agenda beyond just commerce.
- Call described as “warm and engaging”, signalling steady diplomatic engagement even amid tough talks.
Phone lines open as trade talks advance
On Thursday evening, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone while a U.S. trade delegation was in New Delhi working on tariff and trade issues. Both leaders took stock of the relationship between the two countries and where negotiations stand. Modi himself called the exchange “warm and engaging,” underlining that ties between India and the U.S. remain strong even as negotiators grapple with some challenging topics.
Reviewing bilateral ties
During the call, Modi and Trump reviewed the overall state of India-U.S. relations, not just trade. This includes defence cooperation, energy ties, and broader strategic partnership goals. The tone was positive, with both leaders noting steady progress in cooperation across several fronts.
Commitment to global peace and prosperity
A key message from Modi’s statements after the call was that India and the U.S. will continue working together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity not just for their own nations but globally. Modi shared this sentiment in a post on his social media platform, reflecting a desire for close coordination on world issues even as economic negotiations are underway.
Trade and more on the agenda
While trade concerns, especially tariffs on Indian exports and U.S. market access, are central to ongoing talks in New Delhi, the phone conversation also touched on other areas like defence and energy cooperation. This broad agenda suggests that both sides are trying to balance economic discussions with strategic and security considerations.
