NEW DELHI: Emphsising the strategic importance of energy security and global trade routes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President 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.
This was their first interaction since the US-Iran ceasefire last week, and their second since the conflict in the region began on February 28. Following the 40-minute call, Modi also highlighted the two leaders discussing the bilateral partnerships, ahead of high-level engagements.
“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,” Modi said.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supplies pass, has been at the centre of global concerns amid rising tensions in the region.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the exchange as “a very positive and productive call,” adding, “Stay tuned”. He also signalled Washington’s openness to broader diplomatic participation, noting that “it is up to India to join the peace process,” and that the United States “welcomes all parties.”
The conversation comes at a time when both countries are seeking to inject fresh momentum into bilateral ties. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to visit India next month, while an Indian trade delegation is set to travel to Washington for further discussions on an interim trade agreement. These engagements are seen as part of a wider effort to deepen cooperation across defence, trade, and strategic sectors.
The phone call also follows a recent visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Washington, where he held extensive discussions with senior U.S. officials on strengthening defence and economic cooperation.
Marathon negotiations have yet to yield a breakthrough, with the central sticking point being Tehran’s nuclear programme. According to officials, the US has proposed a 20-year pause on uranium enrichment, while Iran has countered with a five-year suspension, an offer Washington has rejected.
Discussions are ongoing, with the possibility of another high-level meeting being explored before the current ceasefire deadline of April 21.
