Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump recently had a cordial phone conversation that touched on key areas of cooperation between India and the United States, including trade, energy, and defense. Modi described the call as “warm and engaging,” reflecting ongoing progress in their bilateral partnership despite challenging tariff issues.

The leaders focused on strengthening trade relations, emphasizing the need to maintain momentum even as US tariffs of 50% on certain Indian imports—half linked to India’s purchases of Russian oil—remain in place. Negotiations in Delhi have been described as constructive, though there is no immediate rush to meet deadlines. The tariffs, aimed at influencing India’s dealings with Moscow, may see potential relief as discussions continue.

Energy cooperation was another key topic, likely centered on India’s oil imports from Russia that prompted the tariff hikes. In defense, both leaders advanced the India-US COMPACT initiative, aimed at fostering military technology collaboration and trade. They agreed to deepen ties in security and critical technologies, potentially paving the way for joint ventures and helping India diversify its defense equipment beyond Russian systems.

The conversation also addressed broader global issues, with Modi and Trump pledging to work together for peace and prosperity. The timing followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, highlighting Delhi’s multi-aligned foreign policy. The call appears strategically aimed at smoothing earlier tensions while moving toward a trade agreement that balances US demands with India’s market protections, with further high-level discussions expected to follow.