US President Donald Trump has called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend birthday wishes, signaling a thaw in ties after weeks of friction over trade tariffs.
The call on Wednesday, a day before Modi’s 75th birthday, followed what both sides described as “positive” talks on a potential trade agreement.
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“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 Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/2IAOyHWKEt
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 16, 2025
On X, Trump praised Modi for doing a “tremendous job” and thanked him for supporting efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Modi called Trump a “friend” and said both leaders were committed to taking bilateral ties to “new heights.”
US President Donald Trump calls PM Modi to wish him on birthday pic.twitter.com/XiJiRa759v
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 16, 2025
Tariffs at the Heart of Tensions
It was their first conversation since Washington imposed steep tariffs on India last month, citing Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil and weapons. Trump said half of the 50% tariff was intended as a penalty, while India rejected the move as “unfair,” citing domestic energy needs.
The tensions had stalled trade deal negotiations. But on Tuesday, US trade negotiator Brendan Lynch met Indian commerce ministry officials in Delhi to discuss ways forward, though India stressed this was not yet a formal new round of talks. Indian exports to the US slipped to $6.86bn in August from $8.01bn in July, according to data cited by Reuters.
Despite striking an optimistic tone, Trump has not backed down on tariffs. Last week, he urged the EU to impose up to 100% tariffs on China and India to pressure Russia over the war in Ukraine, even as India announced progress in its free trade agreement talks with the EU.
Both leaders, however, have highlighted the broader partnership. Trump has repeatedly described US-India ties as a “special relationship,” while Modi has emphasized that the two countries are “close friends and natural partners.”
The US and India, the world’s two largest democracies, have deepened defense and strategic cooperation in recent years, particularly as both seek to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. However, trade has long been a contentious issue. Trump has accused India of unfair practices, while New Delhi has criticized Washington’s protectionist measures. Despite these frictions, both sides continue to frame the relationship as one of growing strategic alignment.