What Did Modi and Trump Talk About on Their Call?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on the phone recently. At first, it looked like just a friendly birthday call—Trump wished Modi on his 75th birthday. But soon it became clear that the conversation was about much more. The two leaders used the moment to talk about trade problems, U.S. tariffs, India’s oil imports from Russia, and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This phone call is important because relations between India and the U.S. have been under pressure. Let’s break down what they discussed, what they didn’t, and why it matters.

Why the Call Happened

The U.S. and India are strong partners, but there has been a lot of friction lately:

• Trade tensions: Trump’s government has imposed high tariffs on Indian goods, some as high as 50%.
• Russian oil issue: India continues to buy oil from Russia at discounted rates. The U.S. is unhappy about this because it feels those purchases help Russia fund its war in Ukraine.
• Stalled talks: Negotiations on a trade deal between the two countries have slowed down.

Against this backdrop, Trump’s birthday call was more than a polite gesture—it was also a way to reset the mood.

What They Talked About

1. A Friendly Start

Trump began the call with birthday wishes. Modi thanked him warmly and later called Trump “my friend” in a social media post. Trump praised Modi’s leadership. These positive words were important because they helped set a lighter tone at a time of tension.

2. Trade Deal Talks

The biggest topic was trade. Both sides agreed to push forward negotiations for a bilateral trade deal. Modi called the discussions “positive and forward-looking.”

Why it matters: Indian exporters have been hurt by U.S. tariffs, and American businesses want easier access to India’s fast-growing market. A deal could ease pain on both sides.

3. Ukraine Conflict

Trump thanked Modi for supporting peaceful talks on the Ukraine war. Modi repeated India’s position—that the war should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

India has avoided taking sides. It hasn’t condemned Russia, but it also hasn’t opposed Western calls for peace. This balancing act keeps India’s options open.

4. Tariffs and Oil Purchases

Another big issue was tariffs and energy. Trump’s team has been angry about India buying cheap Russian oil. India, however, says it must put its own energy security first.

Modi emphasized that India follows “strategic autonomy”—meaning it makes decisions based on its own national interest, not pressure from other countries.

What They Didn’t Solve

The call was friendly, but it didn’t fully resolve the tough issues:

• No promise from India to reduce Russian oil imports.
• No announcement of U.S. tariff cuts.
• No details on what the trade deal will look like.
• No clarity on whether India and the U.S. will take joint steps on Ukraine.

So, the call was more about re-opening communication than about final agreements.

Why This Matters

1. For Business: Indian exporters in sectors like textiles, seafood, and gems are under pressure from U.S. tariffs. Any progress could bring relief.
2. For Energy: India saves billions by buying Russian oil. But continuing could keep relations with Washington tense.
3. For Diplomacy: The U.S. and India are key partners in the Indo-Pacific, especially in balancing China. A fight over trade and energy would weaken that partnership.
4. For Politics: Modi shows Indian voters he can stand firm on India’s independence. Trump shows Americans he is “tough” on trade but still values allies.

The Bigger Picture

This call is part of larger global shifts:

• The Quad alliance (U.S., India, Japan, Australia) needs India–U.S. cooperation to stay effective.
• China’s rise means the U.S. and India must stay aligned strategically.
• Global supply chains and trade flows are under strain. A deal could bring stability.
• On Ukraine, India plays a unique role as one of the few big economies talking to both sides.

What to Watch Next

Here’s what will show whether the call actually changes things:

• Trade talks: Do negotiators reach a draft deal soon?
• Tariffs: Does the U.S. cut or soften duties on Indian goods?
• Oil imports: Does India keep buying Russian oil, or shift to other suppliers?
• High-level meetings: A possible Modi–Trump summit could be on the horizon.
• Export numbers: Will Indian businesses hurt by tariffs see relief?