Trump greets friend Modi on 75th birthday; PM vows to strengthen India-US ties
US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, addressing him as a friend. Modi thanked Trump for the wishes and reaffirmed commitment to deepening India-US ties while supporting peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday dialed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend greetings on his 75th birthday. PM Modi expressed gratitude in a post on X, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the India–US global partnership.
"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 wrote.
Trump thanks PM Modi for support on ending Ukraine war
Trump also posted on Truth Social about the conversation. "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!" he said.
Relations between the two countries had soured after Trump imposed a 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods -- split between reciprocal duties and a penalty for India's purchase of Russian oil. The strain, however, appears to be easing. On Tuesday, the two sides held trade talks that India described as "positive". US chief negotiator Brendan Lynch said there were no hurdles to finalising a deal.
India's additional secretary Rajesh Agrawal also attended the meeting, where both sides agreed to complete the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by November. They also set a timeline for the sixth round of talks and the issues to be addressed.
PM to be in MP on his birthday
Despite progress, Trump's aides continue to criticise India over high tariffs and insufficient US imports. Tensions had escalated earlier this year after Washington objected to New Delhi's purchase of discounted Russian oil, which India defended strongly.
On his birthday, Prime Minister Modi will be in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar, where he will lay the foundation of the country's first PM Mitra Park, launch the Seva Pakhwada campaign, and inaugurate the Healthy Women, Empowered Family initiative at Bhainsola village.