Trump and Modi Discuss Trade, Defense Ties in Calls

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday to discuss trade, defense, and energy relations between India and the United States. Modi described the discussion on the American social media platform ‘X’ as ‘constructive.’ The Indian Prime Minister further elaborated that they reviewed bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, defense, energy, critical technologies, and other sectors. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement to advance their comprehensive and global strategic partnership. This phone call occurred just days after the United States passed the ‘Russia and Iran Sanctions Act,’ which empowers the U.S. President to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from countries purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil or gas, thereby facilitating circumvention of sanctions against Russia. New Delhi has conveyed its concerns regarding this legislation to Washington. Modi also stated that they exchanged views on regional and international issues, including ongoing efforts to promote global peace and security. The discussion coincided with the commencement of the Indian Minister of Commerce’s visit to the United States for negotiations with American officials.