December 12, 2025
Modi and Trump held a phone call covering trade, energy, defence, security and global developments
The call comes as negotiations continue after the US imposed 50% tariffs on Indian imports
Both leaders reviewed progress in the relationship and agreed to work closely on shared challenges
Discussions included critical technologies, energy cooperation and implementation of the India US COMPACT framework
With negotiations on tariffs and broader trade issues between India and the United States still underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a key phone conversation on Thursday. People familiar with the discussion said the two leaders addressed a wide range of issues, including bilateral trade and cooperation in energy, security and defence.
Modi described the call as warm and engaging, noting in a social media post that they reviewed progress in bilateral ties and discussed regional and international developments. He said India and the US would continue working together for global peace, stability and prosperity.
People familiar with the conversation said the leaders discussed the need to sustain momentum in efforts to enhance trade, explored ways to deepen collaboration in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and reviewed the implementation of the India-US COMPACT, which aims to catalyse opportunities in military partnership, commerce and technology. They said Modi and Trump agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests.
The call took place months after the US doubled tariffs on Indian imports to 50%, with half of the duties linked to India’s energy trade with Russia. The move was widely seen as an attempt to pressure President Vladimir Putin over the invasion of Ukraine. Senior officials in the Trump administration had criticised India for benefiting from discounted Russian oil.
Despite the strain, tensions eased somewhat when Trump said he would always remain friends with Modi and referred to a special relationship between the two nations. Modi echoed the sentiment, describing the partnership as positive and forward-looking.
As negotiations continued, Trump asserted in October that Modi had assured him India would soon stop buying oil from Russia. India denied this claim, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating it was not aware of any such phone call.
Source: Hindustan Times