‘Thank You, My Friend’: PM Modi Expresses Gratitude To Trump For Congratulatory Call On 75th Birthday

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for wishing him on the eve of his 75th birthday. In a post on social media platform X, PM Modi appreciated Trump's phone call and warm greetings, referring to him as 'friend'. During the conversation, both leaders emphasised the mutual commitment to strengthen the India-US comprehensive and global partnership. The prime minister also expressed support for Trump's initiatives toward achieving a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.

In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. 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.”

The two leaders held the crucial conversation amidst the high-stakes trade negotiations between India and the United States. Notably, US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday to engage in crucial talks with his counterpart, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. According to the ministry officials, the discussions were "positive and forward-looking", with both sides resolving to intensify efforts towards concluding a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement at the earliest.

Reacting to PM Narendra Modi's post on X, US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social. In the post, Trump praised Prime Minister Modi and thanked him for his support in ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Trump said, "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".

Earlier, too, Trump praised PM Modi's leadership, calling him a "great leader" with outstanding negotiation skills during their meeting at the White House. Prime Minister Modi has also spoken highly of Trump, praising his resilience and dedication to America in a podcast with Lex Fridman.

India-US Trade Tensions

The bilateral relationship between India and the US hit a rough patch after President Trump imposed a hefty 50% tariff on Indian goods in August, citing India's continued imports of Russian oil amidst the Ukraine conflict. India has vocally opposed these tariffs, deeming them "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable". The tariffs, which came into effect on August 27, have impacted Indian exports to the US, with exports falling to $6.86 billion in August from $8.01 billion in July.

Despite these tensions, both nations appear keen to find common ground. Union Minister Piyush Goyal indicated that trade negotiations are progressing satisfactorily. 

A US Embassy Spokesperson confirmed Lynch's positive meeting with Rajesh Agrawal to discuss the next steps in bilateral trade negotiations. Sources confirmed that both countries' chief negotiators decided to continue trade talks virtually. India and the US have had five negotiation rounds for a trade deal, and the proposed last round in August was postponed.

PM Modi Prioritises Farmers' Interest

India and the US have been negotiating an interim trade deal amid US President Donald Trump announcing 25% tariffs on Indian goods in July, later increasing it to 50% due to India's Russian oil imports. India is hesitant about the US demands to open up the agriculture and dairy sectors, which are critical for the livelihoods of many people.

India and the US started talks for a balanced Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) in March, aiming for the first stage by October-November 2025. Recently, PM Modi said India-US trade talks will "unlock the limitless potential" of the partnership after Trump called for addressing trade barriers.

Earlier, PM Modi described India and the US as natural partners on X and expressed confidence in the negotiations' progress. "India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I'm confident our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership. Our teams are working to conclude these discussions at the earliest," PM Modi said.

Trade Negotiation Returns On Track

Amidst trade tensions between the two countries, India and the United States are stepping up efforts to conclude a mutually beneficial trade agreement following a positive meeting between Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal in New Delhi on Tuesday. The discussions, part of ongoing talks for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) initiated in March this year, were to navigate trade tensions inflamed by US President Donald Trump's imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. 

The talks between Lynch and Agrawal were described as positive and forward-looking, covering various aspects of the trade deal, with both sides deciding to intensify efforts for an early conclusion. India and the US have held five rounds of negotiations previously, with a proposed sixth round in August postponed due to the tariff tensions. 

Despite reservations over US demands to open India's agricultural and dairy sectors, Piyush Goyal stated that trade negotiations are progressing to the satisfaction of both countries. Prime Minister Modi has welcomed Trump's positive remarks on trade talks, expressing optimism about a possible strong trade partnership.