Trump dials Modi on Hormuz security, eyes major energy pacts

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, April 14, for nearly 40 minutes to address the West Asia crisis, emphasising the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and secure”. The call occurred against a backdrop of global concerns over the US naval blockade of Iran’s ports and reports of potential second-phase talks between Washington and Tehran following the collapse of initial negotiations in Islamabad.

Modi noted on social media that they reviewed “substantial progress” in bilateral ties and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across all areas. This marked their third call this year—the others on 2 February (trade deal progress) and 24 March (West Asia situation). Trump reportedly ended the conversation by saying, “I just want you to know we all love you.”

US Ambassador Sergio Gor, briefing journalists post-call, hinted at “big-ticket deals” in energy and other sectors to be sealed in coming days or weeks. “Stay tuned,” he said, declining further details. Sources indicate Indian energy public sector undertakings may soon announce collaborations with US firms.

On West Asia, Gor criticised Iran for “holding the entire world hostage” by blocking the Strait, driving up oil and gas prices. “These are international waterways. There are international treaties. So obviously the United States wants to open this waterway. And so, I think it benefits the whole world, including here in India,” he stated. Both leaders discussed the US blockade, with Gor stressing urgency: “Why should one country be able to turn off the lights anywhere else in the world? It’s unfair. It needs to stop, and the United States is determined to make that happen.”

Gor sidestepped queries on fresh US-Iran talks but noted Trump’s openness to global involvement, including from India. The call followed Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s three-day Washington visit, amid efforts to stabilise ties strained by US tariffs and Trump’s claims over last May’s India-Pakistan clashes.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits India next month for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, potentially finalising key deals by late May. Gor highlighted a planned Quad ministerial meeting in India—Rubio’s first visit. “India’s vitally important to us. It’s an incredible partner and the president also has an incredible relationship with your prime minister. It shows the importance of the United States,” he added, citing recent US cabinet meetings on energy, trade, and more.

(Inputs from PTI)