Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation on Thursday, reviewing the progress of the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The discussion focused heavily on sustaining momentum in bilateral trade and deepening cooperation in critical sectors.
According to an official statement, both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady strengthening of ties across a broad range of areas. A key agenda item was the implementation of the India–US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology) for the 21st century. The leaders exchanged views on expanding collaboration in critical technologies, energy, defence, and security.
Regional and Global Developments
Beyond bilateral issues, PM Modi and President Trump discussed key regional and global developments. They agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests within the evolving geopolitical landscape. The two leaders also agreed to remain in touch as both sides continue to deepen their strategic partnership.
Context of the Call
The conversation comes at a significant time, taking place just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin visited New Delhi for a high-stakes summit. This was Putin’s first state visit to India since the Ukraine conflict began in February 2022. The timing is notable given recent trade tensions; in August 2025, the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on most Indian exports, citing wider trade disputes and concerns over India’s imports of Russian oil.
A US trade delegation was recently in India on December 10–11 for discussions. However, reports indicate that these talks made little headway, bogged down by disputes over market access and tariff policies.
Political Reactions in the US
The geopolitical balancing act by New Delhi has sparked debate within the United States. During a recent House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on the ‘US-India Strategic Partnership,’ Democratic Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized the Trump administration’s approach. She highlighted a viral image of PM Modi and President Putin carpooling during the recent summit.
“Trump’s policies towards India can only be described as cutting our nose to spite our face… Being a coercive partner has a cost. And this poster is worth a thousand words.” — Sydney Kamlager-Dove, US Representative
Kamlager-Dove argued that current US policies were driving strategic partners toward adversaries. She called for urgent action to mitigate damage to the partnership and return to essential cooperation.
