US President Donald Trump called his Indian counterpart on Tuesday night to extend birthday greetings — thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ‘ending’ the Ukraine war. The remarks came even as US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch led bilateral trade negotiations in the national capital. The two sides have decided to intensify efforts to achieve an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement following upheaval in the US-India relationship for much of August. The call came mere hours before Modi turned 75 — widely seen as part of US efforts to reset ties with India.
“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” the POTUS wrote on Truth Social
“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. 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,” Modi responded via X.
India-US thaw
Ties between the countries had come under severe strain last month as the POTUS imposed a 50% tariff against India for its continued purchase of Russian oil. Top aides had also held New Delhi responsible for ongoing ‘bloodshed’ in Ukraine — claiming that India was indirectly financing the Russian war and being a “laundromat for the Kremlin”.
President Donald Trump heralded a thaw last week — referring to Modi as a close friend and reiterating the “special relationship” between the US and India. Both leaders had pledged to resume talks and voiced confidence in unlocking the “limitless potential” of a trade relationship. Representatives from both countries are slated to hold discussions in Delhi on Tuesday.