NEW DELHI: Amid hopes for an early framework trade deal and intense discussions over US agriculture and dairy products seeking access to Indian markets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump on Thursday a call described as “warm and engaging.”Modi said that two leaders reviewed progress in the bilateral relationship.
“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. 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,” Modi posted on X after the discussion.
People familiar with the call said the two leaders exchanged views on expanding cooperation across trade, critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and agreed to work closely to address shared strategic and economic challenges. They also reiterated satisfaction at the momentum in the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and underlined the need to sustain progress.
The conversation comes as Washington signals cautious optimism on market access talks. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee this week that New Delhi had offered the “best (trade) offer ever” in ongoing negotiations, even as he acknowledged persistent resistance in India to opening its market to US row crops and meat products.
“They have been very difficult nuts to crack… but they have been quite forward leaning,” Greer said, calling India a “viable alternative market” for American exporters.
The new U.S. Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer’s visit to New Delhi is seen as critical, with both sides pushing to make crucial progress in trade talks amid American tariffs, including a 50% duty on certain Indian goods linked to purchases of Russian crude. The call also unfolded against a charged political backdrop in Washington, where lawmakers from both parties stressed the strategic value of ties with India during a congressional hearing.
Democrat Sydney Kamlager-Dove issued a stinging warning to President Trump, asking whether he wished to be remembered as the president “who lost India” while accusing him of undermining a crucial partnership through tariffs and political grievances.
Modi and Trump agreed to remain in touch, continuing a line of communication that has included calls on occasions ranging from Diwali greetings to discussions on the Gaza peace plan earlier this year.