Trump Wishes Modi on Birthday, Backs Ukraine Peace Efforts as Trade Talks Resume
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of his 75th birthday, softening weeks of criticism over India’s Russian oil imports and signalling support for New Delhi’s role in seeking peace in Ukraine.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine!”
Modi replied on X, thanking Trump for the greetings and reaffirming India’s commitment to advancing the “Comprehensive and Global Partnership” with the US, while backing “initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
The exchange marked a contrast with recent tensions. In August, Washington imposed 50 per cent tariffs on Indian exports, citing New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Moscow. Trump had repeatedly accused India of “funding Russia’s war.” Earlier this month, however, he described the India-US bond as “special” and indicated optimism about restoring trade momentum.
Talks Resume in New Delhi
Coinciding with the phone call, Indian and US officials resumed trade discussions in New Delhi on Tuesday. The seven-hour talks, led by USTR negotiator Brendan Lynch and Commerce Department Special Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, were described as “positive and forward-looking.”
Both sides agreed to intensify efforts for an early conclusion of a “mutually beneficial” agreement, though officials stressed the meeting was preparatory rather than a formal negotiation round. The resumption of talks, after weeks of tariff-driven friction, and Trump’s outreach to Modi suggest an attempt by both governments to reset ties and move toward a more durable partnership despite sharp differences over oil, tariffs, and Ukraine.
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