PM Modi, Trump hold ‘productive’ call, review India-US cooperation across key sectors

PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. File pic

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies, and other areas.

PM Modi described the conversation as "productive" and said the two leaders agreed to maintain close engagement to take the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward.

"Had a productive conversation with President Trump. We reviewed our bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas. We agreed to maintain close engagement to take our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward," Modi posted on X.

The Prime Minister added that the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including ongoing efforts to advance global peace and security.

According to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), Modi and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close engagement to deepen cooperation for the benefit of the people of both countries.

"The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments and discussed ongoing efforts to promote global peace and security. Both leaders agreed to remain in touch," the PMO said.

US working towards Trump's India visit early next year

The conversation comes amid continued efforts by India and the US to deepen cooperation across several strategic areas, including trade, defence, energy, and critical technologies.

As reported by IANS earlier, senior US administration officials had outlined an ambitious roadmap for expanding India-US ties and indicated that Washington was working towards a possible presidential visit to India early next year.

In June, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, in separate interviews with IANS at the White House, highlighted cooperation between the two countries in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies, and the Indo-Pacific.

Rubio had said the US administration was working towards Trump's visit to India next year.

"I look forward to returning myself before the end of the year and setting up a presidential visit in the early parts of next year," he said.

Asked whether the visit would take place next year, Rubio had said, "We're hoping. That's what we're working towards sometime early next year to have the President come."

The US officials had also underscored the importance of the relationship between Trump and Modi in advancing bilateral ties.

"India is such a close partner and ally of the United States, and the relationship between the Prime Minister and the President couldn't be closer, which I think is really important in diplomacy," Rubio had said.

Gor had described the relationship between the two leaders as "one of the big anchors" of India-US ties.

"The President and Prime Minister are great friends, and that's something that goes back years ago, and it's something that will continue to go years ahead," he had said.

Gor had also pointed to the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation, including economics, supply chains, critical minerals, energy, security, and freedom of navigation.

"We're aligned on so many things," Rubio had said, while highlighting areas where India and the US could continue to work together.

The latest conversation between Modi and Trump comes as the two countries continue to engage on bilateral and regional issues. Both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and continue efforts to advance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

(With IANS inputs)