In a significant gesture of diplomacy and personal camaraderie, former US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 75th birthday, marking their first direct conversation in months.
Taking to social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to Trump, calling him a “friend” and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening India-US ties.
“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” Modi wrote.
The phone conversation comes against the backdrop of renewed momentum in trade negotiations between the two nations. Earlier this week, US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, held discussions in New Delhi with India’s chief trade negotiator and Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary, Rajesh Agrawal.
According to an official statement from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the talks were described as “positive and forward-looking,” with both sides deciding to intensify efforts toward the early conclusion of a mutually beneficial trade agreement.
Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2025
Trump, who recently announced the resumption of trade talks with India, reaffirmed his optimism about the negotiations. “I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two nations. I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries,” Trump posted on Truth Social on September 9.
The former President also praised Modi as a “very good friend” and hinted at further conversations in the coming weeks. Modi responded positively, noting that India and the US are “close friends and natural partners,” while expressing confidence that ongoing talks would “unlock the limitless potential of the India-US partnership.”
Adding weight to the dialogue, Sergio Gor, Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, described New Delhi as a “strategic partner” during his recent Senate confirmation hearing. He emphasized the progress made in trade negotiations, saying, “We’re actively negotiating with the Indians right now. We’re not that far apart on a deal. In fact, they’re negotiating down nitty-gritty of a deal.”
The developments highlight not only the enduring personal rapport between the two leaders but also the renewed push to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, and global strategic issues.
