PM Modi, Trump hold 40-minute phone conversation
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.