PM Modi gets birthday call from Trump as leaders signal thaw in ties
text_fields
New Delhi: On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, US President Donald Trump shifted tone, setting aside weeks of criticism over India’s Russian oil imports and trade disputes to extend warm greetings and appreciation for New Delhi’s support for peace in Ukraine.
The phone call on Tuesday marked the first direct conversation between the two leaders since June 17. It came against the backdrop of strained relations, with Washington having imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods last month, citing New Delhi’s continued energy trade with Moscow.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine!”
Modi responded on X, saying: “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
The exchange marked a sharp contrast to recent weeks, when Trump had repeatedly accused India of “funding Russia’s war” and justified the unprecedented tariff hike. However, the tone began to soften earlier this month when Trump described India-US ties as “special” and Modi called America a “close friend and natural partner”.
Trade talks resume in Delhi
The diplomatic reset gained momentum on Tuesday as India and the United States resumed trade discussions in New Delhi for the first time since the tariff dispute escalated. The meeting, which lasted nearly seven hours, was led by US Trade Representative negotiator Brendan Lynch and India’s Commerce Department Special Secretary Rajesh Agarwal.
In a statement, the Commerce Ministry said both sides agreed to intensify efforts towards an early conclusion of a “mutually beneficial” trade agreement. Officials clarified that the meeting was not a formal round of negotiations but a preparatory step to revive stalled talks.
The move comes after weeks of acrimony, with trade discussions frozen since August. For now, the resumption of dialogue signals a willingness on both sides to look past recent disputes and work toward a comprehensive, balanced partnership despite ongoing differences over tariffs, agriculture, and India’s energy ties with Russia.