11 December,2025 09:25 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. File pic
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Thursday held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, with both the leaders reviewing the progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and exploring ways to deepen cooperation across key sectors.
In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity."
According to an official statement, the two leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady strengthening of India-US ties and stressed the need to maintain momentum in efforts to expand bilateral trade as negotiations continue.
"PM and President Trump underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in shared efforts to enhance bilateral trade," the release noted.
They also exchanged views on advancing cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, as well as other priority areas linked to the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) framework. The two leaders discussed regional and global developments and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and support common strategic goals.
Both sides agreed to remain in touch as high-level engagements move forward.
The US should sign the free trade agreement with India if Washington is satisfied with New Delhi's proposal, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.
Goyal welcomed the positive sentiments from the Trump administration but declined to commit to a timeline for finalising the long-awaited FTA. His remarks came after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in Washington that the US had received the "best ever" offer from India.
"His happiness is very much welcome. And, I do believe that if they are very happy, they should be signing on the dotted lines," Goyal told reporters. He did not disclose details of India's offer.
The minister said five rounds of trade negotiations have taken place so far. He added that the ongoing visit of US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer is not focused on negotiations but is meant to strengthen familiarity and engagement. Switzer, on his first visit to India since assuming office three months ago, held "substantial discussions" with Goyal.
The minister has recently been advancing free trade agreements with several countries, including Chile, Israel and New Zealand.
(With ANI and PTI inputs)
