NEW DELHI, FEB 2: President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday as both nations work toward resolving recent diplomatic and economic friction. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor confirmed the discussion via social media, providing the first official word of direct contact between the leaders amidst a significant downturn in ties.
The high-level conversation coincided with the start of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s three-day visit to Washington. While New Delhi has not yet issued an official statement regarding the exchange, the timing suggests a concerted effort to stabilize a partnership that has faced mounting pressure over trade and foreign policy.
“President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. STAY TUNED,” Gor said in his post.
Relations between the two countries reached a critical point after the US administration implemented a 50 percent tariff on Indian goods. This figure included a 25 percent penalty specifically tied to India’s ongoing procurement of Russian crude oil. Beyond trade disputes, the relationship has been strained by disagreements over Washington’s immigration policies and previous claims regarding the India-Pakistan conflict.
Despite these hurdles, negotiators have reportedly found common ground in recent days. Official sources noted last week that India and the US have made “very significant” progress in talks aimed at finalizing a long-awaited bilateral trade deal. Jaishankar’s current visit, though officially centered on a ministerial meeting regarding critical minerals supply chains, is widely viewed as a platform to solidify these gains.
