Highlights:
- Trump called Modi, wishing him a happy 75th birthday and praising his leadership.
- Modi reaffirmed commitment to taking India-US partnership to “new heights.”
- Trade talks resumed in New Delhi with USTR Brendan Lynch and India’s Rajesh Agrawal.
- Relations had been strained after US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.
- India defended buying discounted Russian oil as a matter of national interest.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday (16) called Indian prime minister Narendra Modi to extend warm wishes on his 75th birthday. Their conversation marked a hopeful reset in India-US relations, which had experienced tension following Washington’s imposition of 50 per cent tariffs on Indian goods. Trump referred to Modi as his “friend” and praised his leadership, saying, “He is doing a tremendous job.”
Modi reciprocated the sentiment with a social media post, thanking Trump for his greetings and expressing a shared commitment to elevate the India-US comprehensive and global partnership to “new heights.” Modi also voiced support for Trump’s initiatives aimed at a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Resumption of trade talks amid tariff tensions
The phone call coincided with renewed bilateral trade discussions in New Delhi. Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met with India’s Ministry of Commerce special secretary Rajesh Agrawal to discuss next steps toward a trade agreement. This fresh round of talks follows months of strained negotiations, with key sticking points including agriculture, dairy, and tariffs.
Despite the tariff hurdles, both sides affirmed the importance of their partnership. India maintained that its purchase of discounted Russian crude was driven by national interests amid global sanctions imposed following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The United States had criticized this energy relationship, leading to additional retaliatory levies on Indian imports.
Broader diplomatic context and global support
Modi’s 75th birthday also garnered greetings from world leaders like Italy's prime minister Giorgia Meloni, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflecting Modi’s growing stature on the international stage. The celebrations highlighted India’s significant role in global geopolitics and economics.
With over 4.4 million people of Indian origin in the US and a thriving student community contributing billions annually, the India-U.S. partnership extends beyond diplomacy to deep people-to-people and economic ties.
The exchange of birthday wishes and the resumption of trade talks signal a potential thaw in relations and reinforce bilateral cooperation. Both leaders appear motivated to overcome past challenges and work towards a robust strategic partnership poised to influence regional and global developments.
