In a notable development for India-U.S. relations, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on January 27, marking their first conversation since Trump’s re-election for a second term. Modi shared the details of the phone call through a post on X (formerly Twitter), where he congratulated Trump on assuming the presidency once again.
During the discussion, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the partnership between their countries, underscoring their shared goals of mutual benefit, global peace, and security. Modi expressed, "We are committed to a mutually beneficial and reliable partnership, working together for the welfare of our people while contributing to global peace, prosperity, and security."
This phone call highlights the ongoing strengthening of economic and strategic ties between the two nations. The United States is India's largest trading partner, and bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed $118 billion in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, with India maintaining a trade surplus of $32 billion. This robust trade relationship forms the bedrock for further collaboration in various sectors such as defense, technology, and energy.
Diplomatic sources suggest that efforts are underway to arrange a face-to-face meeting between the two leaders in February. This meeting is expected to address key issues, including expanding trade relations, increasing technological collaboration, bolstering defense ties, and cooperating on countering China’s growing influence in the region.
India's strategic partnership with the U.S. has become increasingly significant in addressing global challenges. As part of the broader Indo-Pacific strategy, both countries are expected to deepen cooperation, with India seeking to increase its trade share with the U.S. and facilitate easier access for skilled Indian workers to the American job market.
The phone call paves the way for a possible high-level summit that could prove pivotal in the evolution of India-U.S. relations, setting the stage for enhanced diplomatic, economic, and security collaboration. Both leaders’ shared vision for global stability and prosperity reflects the growing importance of this partnership in the years ahead.