Trade talks between Indian and US officials on Tuesday, September 16, were described by New Delhi as “positive” and “forward-looking,” following a more conciliatory tone from President Donald Trump after the US imposed punitive tariffs on India over its Russian oil imports. Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone on Tuesday to mark Modi’s 75th birthday, which is on Wednesday. Trump expressed gratitude to Modi for his role in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, though no details were shared.

A US delegation, led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, met with Indian trade officials headed by Chief Negotiator Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi. India’s commerce ministry said in a statement that both sides agreed to intensify efforts to reach an early, mutually beneficial trade agreement, without providing further specifics. Discussions focused on bilateral trade relations, including the possibility of an India-US trade deal, and a formal sixth round of negotiations is expected.

It remains unclear whether India will meet US demands to reduce Russian oil purchases or open its agriculture and dairy markets to US companies, a key point in the negotiations. This was the first publicly known call between Trump and Modi in three months. Modi thanked Trump on X for the birthday greetings, stating: “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.”

Trump posted on Truth Social: “Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine.” Although no details on Ukraine were disclosed, the call signaled a potential easing of tensions between the US and India, which had risen in recent months and raised concerns about the future of the partnership, particularly given shared concerns about China.

Last month, Trump imposed a 25% punitive tariff on Indian imports from August 27, doubling overall duties to 50%, as part of Washington’s pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine invasion. A planned US delegation visit to New Delhi from August 25–29 was canceled after talks stalled, with India resisting US calls to open its large farm and dairy sectors. India’s exports to the US fell to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July, according to trade ministry data, with exporters warning that the full impact of higher tariffs would be felt from September once the new duties came into effect.