PM Modi speaks to Trump; discusses strategic partnership, trade, defence and technology cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a detailed discussion reviewing the India US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The leaders focused on trade, critical technologies, defence, energy and regional issues, agreeing to work closely to advance shared priorities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with United States President Donald Trump on Thursday, during which the two leaders reviewed the progress of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. As per an official release, both leaders expressed satisfaction at the consistent strengthening of bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to deepen cooperation across critical sectors. During the conversation, both leaders highlighted the need to maintain strong momentum in efforts aimed at boosting bilateral trade. They noted that expanding commercial engagement remains central to the economic pillar of the partnership, the release added.
"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," PM Modi posted on X.
Collaboration on technology, energy and defence
The Prime Minister and President Trump exchanged views on widening cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security. These sectors are key components of the India-US COMPACT, which aims to catalyse opportunities for military partnership, faster commerce and cutting edge technology cooperation for the 21st century.
Discussion on global and regional developments
The two leaders also discussed significant global and regional developments and emphasised the importance of working closely together to address shared challenges. Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing common interests through continued high level engagement. "The two leaders agreed to remain in touch," the official release added.
Talks come days after Putin's visit to India
The conversation between the two leaders comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a high profile, two day summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was Putin's first state visit to India since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022, making the meeting politically significant for both nations. During the visit, a widely circulated photograph of PM Modi and President Putin carpooling sparked discussions even in the United States Congress. Pointing to the image during a session on India US relations, US Representative Sydney Kamlager Dove remarked, "This poster is worth a thousand words," as she criticised the foreign policy approach adopted towards India under the Donald Trump administration.
India-US trade negotiations
Meanwhile, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said said negotiations are progressing well for the trade deal between India and United States and substantial discussions have taken place. Interacting with the media on Thurday, Goyal noted that a deal is done when both sides stand to benefit and it should not be negotiated with deadlines because there can be mistakes. "Negotiations are progressing well. We've had substantive discussions over several rounds of negotiations. In the past, I think five rounds have happened. The current visit is not a negotiating round. The current visit is a new deputy United States Trade Representative (USTR) who has joined about three months ago. It's his first visit to India. We're getting to know each other...We had very good substantive discussions," he said.
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