Washington/New Delhi, September 17, 2025 – U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he had a “wonderful” phone conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he extended birthday greetings to the Indian leader and thanked him for his support in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
“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!” President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Responding on X, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the call and warm wishes on his 75th birthday. “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India–U.S. Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” he said.
Tariff Disputes Cast a Shadow
The exchange came against the backdrop of heightened tensions over trade, with Trump’s recent decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods sparking debate in both New Delhi and Washington. While the U.S. administration has accused India of indirectly supporting Moscow’s war efforts through purchases of Russian oil, President Trump has refrained from direct criticism of Modi, frequently emphasizing his “friendship” with the Indian Prime Minister.
Amid these challenges, the birthday call has been seen as a significant signal of continued personal rapport between the two leaders, despite economic frictions.
Renewed Push for a Trade Deal
The conversation also coincided with a day-long meeting between Indian and U.S. trade officials in New Delhi, where both sides agreed to intensify negotiations for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, discussions were held on September 16 between a U.S. delegation led by Brendan Lynch, Chief Negotiator for the India–U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement, and an Indian team headed by Rajesh Agarwal, Special Secretary in the Department of Commerce.
A U.S. Embassy spokesperson later described the talks as “positive,” confirming that both delegations explored next steps to advance bilateral trade negotiations.
This was the first direct phone call between Trump and Modi since their last exchange in June on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada.
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