New Delhi – In what many are viewing as a diplomatic thaw, former US President Donald Trump reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, extending warm birthday wishes ahead of Modi’s 75th birthday. The gesture, simple on the surface, may carry deeper implications for the future of India-US relations—relations that have seen their share of turbulence in recent months.
The call, which came amidst ongoing trade talks in New Delhi, marks the first direct communication between the two leaders since Washington imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods—an action India decried as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” The tariff hike, largely seen as retaliation for India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions, had cast a long shadow over the once-strong partnership.
However, the tone on Tuesday was markedly different.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the call with grace and diplomacy, thanking Trump for his greetings and expressing shared commitment to strengthening the “comprehensive and global partnership” between the two nations. He also reaffirmed India’s support for Trump’s efforts to resolve the ongoing Ukraine conflict peacefully.
Trump responded on his social media platform, Truth Social, saying:
“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.”
He further thanked Modi for India’s support in bringing an end to the war between Russia and Ukraine—a conflict that continues to shape global geopolitics.
Meanwhile, trade negotiations between the two countries took a step forward. Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met with India’s Special Secretary of Commerce, Rajesh Agrawal, to discuss the next steps in bilateral trade talks. A US embassy spokesperson described the conversation as “positive.”
This development follows earlier social media exchanges where both leaders hinted at a willingness to address outstanding trade issues. Modi reiterated that India and the US are “natural partners” and emphasized that both sides were working earnestly to finalize a long-pending trade deal.
The past few months have seen relations falter, with Trump administration officials openly criticizing India’s energy ties with Russia. Yet, India has consistently defended its procurement strategy, citing national interests and market economics.
Now, as both nations navigate an increasingly complex global order, this high-level phone call—timed with diplomatic talks on the ground—could mark a pivotal point of realignment.
