New Delhi — U.S. President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday night to extend greetings on his 75th birthday. The conversation is viewed as a positive signal in bilateral relations, which have recently been strained by tariff disputes.
Writing on his social media platform Truth at 11:30 p.m., Trump said he had a “very good conversation” with Modi. He praised the Indian leader for “doing incredible work” and expressed gratitude for India’s role in efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
In response, Modi posted on X thanking Trump for the call and birthday wishes. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the “broad and global partnership” between India and the United States, and voiced support for Washington’s initiative to seek a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine war.
This was the first direct conversation between the two leaders since Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian goods. On August 6, the Trump administration announced an additional 25% tariff on India for purchasing oil from Russia. Beginning August 7, the measure raised the overall duty on Indian exports to the U.S. to 50%.
According to German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), Modi had declined four phone calls from Trump during the height of the tariff dispute in late August, further straining relations.
Trade Talks Resume in New Delhi
Despite ongoing tensions, trade negotiations have resumed. On Tuesday, U.S. envoy Brendan Lynch and India’s Commerce Department special representative Rajesh Agarwal held nearly seven hours of discussions in New Delhi. Both sides described the talks as “very positive.”
The Commerce Ministry said the representatives discussed ways to advance a bilateral trade agreement and would announce the next meeting date soon. Lynch arrived in New Delhi on Monday night for a one-day visit.
Analysts say the latest phone call and renewed negotiations suggest India–U.S. relations may be shifting back toward dialogue and cooperation.
