New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked US President Donald Trump for extending birthday greetings ahead of his 75th birthday, while reiterating India’s commitment to strengthening the India-US Comprehensive and Global Strategic Partnership. Modi also underlined New Delhi’s support for Washington’s efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
In a message on X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
Responding on Truth Social, Trump said he had a “wonderful call” with Modi, praising the Prime Minister’s leadership. “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! President DJT.”
Tariffs and trade friction
The exchange of greetings comes against a tense economic backdrop. The United States has imposed sweeping tariffs on Indian goods, including a 50 percent duty on imports and a 25 percent levy on India’s purchases of Russian oil—among the highest duties faced by any country. Adding to the pressure, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned earlier this week that India could risk losing access to the American market if it refused to buy US-grown corn.
For the first time since the new tariffs came into force, both sides met on Tuesday to discuss next steps in trade negotiations. Washington described the talks as “positive,” signalling a willingness to bridge differences and revive momentum in the relationship.
Trade deal and broader ties
The decision to restart trade talks followed Modi’s earlier remarks welcoming Trump’s comments on reducing “trade barriers” and the US president’s assurance that both countries could soon finalise a trade deal.
The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership spans defence, trade, energy, and technology. During their meeting in Washington in February, Modi and Trump set a target of more than doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
