New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fresh from his high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, called incoming US President Donald Trump on Thursday to intensify India-US ties, focussing on boosting bilateral trade and establishing stronger bonds in defence, technology, and energy.
The 35-minute “warm and engaging” conversation was Modi’s first with Trump since the Republican’s November poll triumph and occurred just weeks before Trump’s January 20 inauguration.
Sources said the duo reviewed progress on the ongoing trade deal, with Modi pushing for quicker market access for Indian exports amid a global slowdown. Trump, fresh off his “America First” victory lap, reportedly echoed the sentiment, stressing “mutual wins” in semiconductors, green energy and critical minerals — sectors where India sees a bigger slice of the US pie.
Beyond commerce, the chat delved into defence pacts like the co-production of fighter jets and drones, as well as cybersecurity firewalls against shared foes. Regional flashpoints — from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific — also figured, with both leaders vowing to counter China’s assertiveness through Quad synergies.
Modi pitched the India-US COMPACT as a 21st-century blueprint for “peace, stability and prosperity”, while Trump quipped about a “Yankee-Dilli deal” to dazzle Wall Street.
Posting on X post-call, Modi gushed: “Had a delightful and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability, and prosperity.”
Trump reciprocated with a tweet hailing Modi as a “tough negotiator and great friend.”
With trade dipping to $190 billion last fiscal year, this tête-à-tête signals a reset: expect more summits and sector-specific MOUs by mid-2026.
As Modi navigates the BRICS and bilateral relationships, the influence of Trump could either accelerate India’s $5 trillion aspiration or challenge its diplomatic balance.