PM Modi, Trump review bilateral ties, discuss trade and defence in phone call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump. During the phone call, the two leaders reviewed the progress in the India-US bilateral ties and discussed regional and international developments.

“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity,” Modi wrote on X.

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According to a press statement, Modi and Trump expressed satisfaction at the steady strengthening of ties between the two countries.

Amid the ongoing negotiations between India and the US for a trade agreement, both leaders also stressed the need to sustain momentum in efforts to enhance bilateral trade. “PM and President Trump underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade,” the statement read.

It further added that PM Modi and President Trump also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas central to the implementation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) framework for the 21st century.

The phone call comes amid the ongoing trade negotiations between Washington and Delhi. A team of US trade representatives also visited Delhi on Wednesday to have discussions.

The trade talks between India and the US have progressed substantially over the last few months, though the original target of completing the first tranche by fall 2025 was delayed due to several issues, including President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on Indian goods.