New Delhi/Washington: US President Donald Trump reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of his 75th birthday, adding a personal touch to the renewed efforts to mend trade ties between the two nations.
The phone call came just hours after negotiators resumed discussions on a long-pending trade agreement. Modi, in a post on X, thanked Trump for his wishes and underlined India’s commitment to strengthening the “Comprehensive and Global Partnership” with the United States. He also reiterated New Delhi’s support for peaceful initiatives aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine.
Trump, echoing the sentiment on Truth Social, wrote that he had a “wonderful call” with Modi, praising him for his leadership and expressing gratitude for India’s stance on resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.
For months, Washington had been critical of India’s decision to continue oil imports from Moscow, linking it to steep tariffs imposed on Indian exports. The dispute had escalated with sharp remarks from senior US officials, including Trump’s close advisers.
However, recent cordial exchanges between the two leaders appear to have lowered the temperature. Their public appreciation of each other last week paved the way for trade talks to resume, raising hopes of easing the tariffs that have strained economic relations.
The timing of Trump’s call — part diplomatic outreach, part personal gesture — is being viewed by analysts as an indication that both sides are keen to rebuild trust and move closer to a mutually beneficial deal.
