PM Modi speaks to Trump on importance of keeping Strait of Hormuz "open and secure"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, marking the second interaction between the two leaders since the US-Israel war with Iran began on February 28.

PM Modi received a call from his "friend" President Trump, wherein the two leaders discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure.

During the 40-minute call, as reported by PTI, they also reviewed the substantial progress achieved in the bilateral cooperation across sectors and committed to expand India-IS Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas.


Also read: Trump’s Hormuz blockade: What’s at stake amid global chaos and ripple risks for India

"Received a call from my friend President Donald Trump. We reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors. We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," PM Modi said in a post on X.

US ambassador to India Sergio Gor teased some upcoming announcements in a post on X saying, "A very positive and productive call! Stay tuned…"

New Delhi and Washington are likely to finalise big-ticket agreements, including in the energy sector, in the coming days and weeks, PTI reported, citing Gor, signalling further momentum in bilateral ties.

India-US relations are on a strong footing, US ambassador to India Sergio Gor said, as quoted by PTI. As per information shared by the envoy, Trump shared a personal message with Modi, "I just want you to know we all love you."

PM Modi and Trump held the last conversation on March 24, stressing the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has entered its seventh week, sending crude oil and gas prices skyrocketing worldwide, and making a dent on global stock markets. The war has led to disruptions in energy shipments across the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway responsible for 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade.

Also read: India–US eye 'big-ticket energy deals' soon as PM Modi, Donald Trump discuss West Asia crisis

Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange of views on the situation in West Asia, PM Modi posted earlier, emphasising that India supports de-escalation and restoration of peace at the earliest.

"Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world. We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," said Modi in a post on X.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on March 11, agreed to carry out the its largest-ever release of emergency oil stocks to help address the market disruptions.