Tense geopolitical maneuvering and stalled trade negotiations between India and the US have been the theme of 2025. Although the US calls India a “friend”, fact remains that the two countries have been navigating a strained relationship marked by tariffs and oil diplomacy.
But a simple birthday call between two of the world’s most prominent leaders has raised hopes of diplomatic progress.
Against a backdrop of mutual accusations and high-stakes negotiations, US President Donald Trump placed a call to India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, extending wishes on his 75th birthday.
“Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job.”
PM Modi responded with a warm message. “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights,” Modi wrote.
According to reports, the call coincided with a visit by US trade officials to New Delhi, where they met with representatives from India’s Commerce Ministry to continue discussions on a possible trade agreement.
A statement released by the Indian government claimed the talks were “positive.” Both sides reportedly agreed to “intensify efforts” to conclude a deal swiftly.
This is reportedly the first direct communication between the two leaders since June 17. Trump had asserted that the cease-fire between India and Pakistan, following a brief military clash in May, had been achieved through his intervention, a claim India denied.
On September 10, Trump had posted online that he was eager to speak with his “very good friend” Modi and reiterated his belief that ongoing trade negotiations would eventually succeed.
Trade negotiations, which have been ongoing since spring, became further complicated when Trump and senior US officials began accusing India of indirectly supporting Russia’s war effort in Ukraine through continued large-scale purchases of Russian oil. In response, Trump doubled tariffs on all Indian goods imported into the US to 50 percent late last month, a punitive move aimed at pressuring India to reconsider its energy ties with Moscow.
This week, both leaders affirmed through social media that India was aligned with US efforts to bring an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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