PM Modi Speaks With Trump, Talks Defence Ties, Tariffs and Indo-Pacific Security

In a warm call, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump reviewed bilateral ties, regional security, and stalled trade talks as both sides seek a path past steep tariffs.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Trump to assess the India US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership's development, highlighting the ongoing strength of bilateral relations.

PM Modi posted on X that he had a very warm and engaging discussion with President Trump. They reviewed the progress in their bilateral ties and discussed national and international growth. India and the US will continue to work together for world peace, stability and wealth.

The two leaders discussed trade defense, new fields like clean energy and AI and crucial technologies. The PM highlighted India's commitment to a secure and regulation Indo Pacific as the two discussed regional security issues.

The discussion between two leaders takes place during months of speculation that the two countries will soon reach a trade agreement. Steep fifty percent tariffs have been placed by the Trump administration on Indian products coming into American markets.

The Indian industry and exporters are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the negotiations and the announcement of the agreement because the high import duties are negatively affecting their shipments to the American market. The US is an important destination for them because it accounts for about 18 percent of the country's exports, even if they are looking into other markets to maintain their export revenues.

First, claiming concerns about India's trade deficit, which was estimated to be over USD 46 billion in 2024 to 2025, the US imposed a tax of 25 percent on Indian imported goods. India was penalized an extra 25 percent for purchasing Russian crude.

The US seeks duty reductions on industrial goods and agricultural products like apples, corn, and almonds as part of the agreement. India has strongly resisted negotiations in the dairy and agricultural industries.