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PM Modi and Trump reviewed the progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussed various regional and global developments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they reviewed the progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and underscored the importance of sustaining momentum to enhance bilateral trade. This conversation took place more than a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi.
According to an official statement, PM Modi and Trump expressed satisfaction at the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation across all domains. They also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas that are central to the implementation of the India–US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century.
The two leaders also discussed various regional and global developments and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests. The last conversation between the two leaders took place in October, when PM Modi congratulated Trump on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan to end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas.
“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity," Modi said on X.
Putin’s Visit
The conversation followed Putin’s high-profile visit to India, where he held wide-ranging talks with PM Modi. The Russian President sent a strong message of India-Russia friendship on the global stage, coming at a crucial meeting when Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports for purchasing Russian oil.
Putin’s visit to New Delhi was widely seen as a sign of growing relations between India and Russia despite Washington’s tariff pressure, which sparked concern in the US over Trump’s foreign policy strategy. US Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove issued a stark warning that the United States was responsible for pushing India closer to Russia. However, recent high-level engagements suggest that communication channels are robust on all sides.
Recent developments indicate that the relationship between Washington and Moscow, though still centred on the Ukraine conflict, has seen diplomatic manoeuvring aimed at normalisation under the current US administration. President Trump has been actively pushing a peace plan for Ukraine, and Kremlin spokespersons have welcomed aspects of the new US security strategy, citing statements in favour of dialogue over confrontation. While tensions remain, the US has shown a stated intent to stabilise relations, a dynamic that provides New Delhi slightly more manoeuvring room to maintain its historical defence ties with Russia without fundamentally destabilising its strategic partnership with the US.
India-Russia Ties
In a demonstration of the resilience of the “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership", the India-Russia relationship continues to expand beyond its traditional defence foundation. The recent high-level engagements, including the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, have focused heavily on bolstering economic cooperation, setting an ambitious target of $100 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030. This commitment is underscored by the adoption of a Programme for the Development of Strategic Areas of India-Russia Economic Cooperation till 2030, which aims to diversify trade beyond the current high volume of Russian energy imports and increase Indian exports in sectors like pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and engineering goods. Both nations are also accelerating negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to streamline commerce and reduce tariff barriers.
Furthermore, defence ties are actively being transformed from a simple buyer-seller arrangement to one focused on joint research, co-development, and localised production under the Make in India initiative. Recent developments include expedited delivery of the remaining S-400 missile system squadrons and continued co-production of flagship systems like the BrahMos cruise missile. This strategic military partnership, affirmed through joint exercises like INDRA-2025 and technical consultations on shipbuilding and Arctic cooperation, ensures India’s critical defence supply chain remains robust. By strengthening these long-term, multi-sectoral ties, New Delhi is reinforcing its position of strategic autonomy, demonstrating that its engagement with Moscow is not a reaction to Western pressure but a necessity driven by its own energy and security interests.
India-US Trade
Trump and Modi’s conversation also took place when a team from the US visited New Delhi for trade talks with Indian counterparts, including foreign secretary Vikram Misri, covering both the ongoing trade talks as well as broader economic partnership.
The path to reaching a bilateral trade agreement was made complex by the US tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Trump administration. The imposition of these hefty tariffs by Washington impacted Indian exports. India’s merchandise exports to the US declined for the second consecutive month in October, falling by 8.58% to $6.3 billion.
However, both sides are reportedly making progress towards a comprehensive pact with a focus on increasing bilateral trade and strengthening supply chains. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal stated his optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations, confirming that discussions are “progressing well" towards a bilateral trade agreement.
United States officials have also expressed optimism about the progress in trade, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer recently telling the Senate Appropriations Committee that India had put forward the “best offers the US has ever received" in the ongoing trade negotiations, signalling a major, forward-leaning shift by New Delhi.
While the complexities of market access, particularly for American farm products, remain a “difficult nut to crack", as acknowledged by US officials, the positive shift in tone from Washington suggests a strong political will to secure a deal. Both nations recognise the geopolitical imperative of enhancing their economic partnership to build resilient supply chains and strategically position India as a viable alternative market to China.
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First Published:
December 11, 2025, 19:33 IST
News india 'Warm Conversation': PM Modi, Trump Talk Trade, Energy In First Call After Putin’s India Visit
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