Trump thanks Modi for support on efforts to end Ukraine war, wishes him on 75th birthday

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said he had a “wonderful” phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which he extended birthday greetings and thanked the Indian leader for his support on efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.

The call came a day before Modi turned 75 and is being seen as a significant gesture in Washington’s bid to reset ties with New Delhi amid strains over tariffs and trade.

“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! President DJT,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, signing off with his initials to stress the personal tone of the message.

Modi responded on X, thanking Trump for the greetings. “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,” he posted.

This was the first phone call between the two leaders since their June conversation on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada.

In the months that followed, Trump slapped tariffs of up to 50 per cent on Indian goods, including 25 per cent on New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil. He had also been critical of India’s high tariffs, with officials in his administration adopting sharp rhetoric against New Delhi.

However, Trump recently struck a conciliatory tone, saying he was “certain” there would be “no difficulty” in concluding trade talks with India and that he looked forward to speaking with his “very good friend” Modi.

Modi, in turn, described India and the US as “close friends and natural partners,” adding that the ongoing trade discussions would “unlock the limitless potential” of the bilateral partnership.

The latest exchange suggests a thaw in relations, with both sides keen to balance tough negotiations on trade with cooperation on global issues, including the Ukraine conflict.
(With PTI inputs)