Emphasising the strategic importance of energy security and global trade routes, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump held a phone conversation on Tuesday, focusing on the evolving situation in West Asia and the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz “open and secure”.
This was their third phone call this year and the first after the recent US-Iran peace talks. They had earlier spoken on February 2 to review progress on a trade deal and on March 24 to discuss the West Asia situation. The nearly 40-minute call came amid increasing global concerns over tensions in the region, including the US naval blockade of Iran’s ports and disruptions impacting global energy supplies.
Following the call, Modi said both leaders reviewed the “substantial progress” in bilateral ties and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership across sectors.
“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,” he said on a X post.
“We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes, has been at the centre of global concerns amid rising tensions.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the exchange as “a very positive and productive call” and said several “big-ticket” deals, including in the energy sector, are expected to be finalised in the coming days or weeks.
“We have some big-ticket items that will be announced over the next few days or weeks, and the relationship is on a firm footing. We will have something very interesting and exciting,” he said.
Asked to elaborate, Gor added, “In terms of some of the deals that might occur, might get announced soon, it'll be related to energy. It'll be related to some other items, but stay tuned. That all I'll say.”
Sources said certain Indian public-sector energy companies may announce collaborations with American firms in the coming days.
The envoy also revealed that the call ended with President Trump telling Modi, “I just want you to know we all love you.”
On the West Asia situation, Gor said Trump briefed Modi on the overall developments, including the US naval blockade of Iran’s ports. Referring to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, he said, “You have a nation that is holding the entire world hostage. These are international waterways. There are international treaties.”
“There’s only one reason that prices (of oil and gas) have gone up. It is because somebody is holding this area hostage. So obviously the United States wants to open this waterway. And so, I think it benefits the whole world, including here in India,” he added.
Gor said the two leaders discussed the importance of reopening the route as soon as possible, noting that “the whole region, the whole world is suffering because of this”.
“Why should one country be able to turn off the lights anywhere else in the world? It's unfair. It needs to stop, and the United States is determined to make that happen,” he said.
On the possibility of further US-Iran talks after the collapse of earlier negotiations in Islamabad, Gor declined to comment, saying it was not for him to announce future discussions. However, he indicated that talks are ongoing and efforts are being made to stabilise the situation.
Responding to a question on whether the US was looking for India’s role in de-escalation, Gor said, “That’s a question for the Indian government. But from our side, the president has offered involvement around the world, as you have seen engagement happen.”
The call between the two leaders came two days after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri wrapped up a three-day visit to Washington DC, where he held discussions with senior US officials on defence and economic cooperation.
The conversation also comes at a time when both countries are seeking to inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties after a period of strain. Relations had seen a downturn following Washington’s imposition of punitive tariffs on India and President Trump’s remarks regarding his role in de-escalating India-Pakistan tensions last year.
However, both sides have made efforts in recent months to repair ties and expand cooperation.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India next month for wide-ranging talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other officials. Gor said the focus currently is on Rubio’s upcoming visit.
“The secretary is coming here next month, which we're very excited by… He doesn't just show up. We actually have some incredible deals that we're hoping to finalise in time for his visit at the end of May,” he said.
He added that the US is also looking forward to holding a Quad ministerial meeting in India, noting that Rubio’s visit reflects the importance Washington attaches to New Delhi.
“India's vitally important to us. It's an incredible partner and the president also has an incredible relationship with your prime minister. It shows the importance of the United States,” Gor said.
“If you look at Secretary Rubio, he does not travel because he's full-time at the White House also. So the fact that he is coming over here shows the level of importance that the United States gives to India,” he added.
Gor also said he had recently returned from Washington, where he met senior officials across departments, including the Treasury, trade, defence and energy, and reiterated that several “big-ticket” announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
(With inputs from Jayanth Jacob, PTI)