PM Modi speaks to US president Donald Trump as bilateral trade agreement talks progress

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump on Thursday, a conversation he described as "warm and engaging," amid ongoing negotiations between the two countries on a bilateral trade agreement (BTA).

The leaders also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security and other priority areas that are central to the implementation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century, according to people familiar with the matter.

"Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump," Modi wrote on X. "We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity."


The Indian readout of the exchange didn't carry any references to a possible timeline on the trade deal and the removal of US tariffs that have hit Indian exporters. The people cited indicated that the two leaders reviewed progress on trade talks and that negotiations are progressing. The call is seen as a bid to take the relationship forward in the backdrop of the tariffs, they said.

Addressing Common Challenges

The two leaders also reviewed progress on the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in their first phone call since October, which took place to mark Diwali.

Both leaders agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests, according to the persons cited. The October phone call had been immediately followed by sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, impacting energy supplies from the Russian companies. Trump’s repeated claim that he stopped the India-Pakistan conflict in May has also cast a shadow on ties.

The call on Thursday took place about a week after President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to New Delhi for the India-Russia annual summit aimed at expanding economic partnership and furthering their strategic agenda. Modi and Trump expressed satisfaction at the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation across all domains, said one of the persons cited. They underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade. They also discussed various regional and global developments and pledged to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests, while agreeing to remain in touch.

It is understood that the two leaders would have discussed the Ukraine peace plan and direct negotiations between the US and Russia on the issue.

Earlier this week, India-United States Foreign Office Consultations co-chaired by foreign secretary Vikram Misri and US under-secretary of state Allison Hooker were held in New Delhi.