Modi, Trump Hold 'Productive' Phone Call on Trade, Defence and Energy Amid Deal Talks
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump by telephone on Wednesday, describing the conversation as "productive" in a post on X, as the two countries continue negotiating a trade agreement and managing friction over Washington's new Russia-Iran sanctions law.
A Prime Minister's Office statement said the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across trade, defence, energy and critical technologies, and agreed to "maintain close engagement" to advance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including ongoing efforts to advance global peace and security.
Trade talks take centre stage
The call comes at a delicate moment for India-US economic ties. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in the United States for the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, scheduled for September 30 and October 1, and is expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines for further trade negotiations.
The US is India's largest trading partner. During April–August of fiscal 2026–27, India's merchandise exports to the United States rose 6.17 per cent to $42.8 billion, while imports grew 29.6 per cent to $28 billion. Bilateral merchandise trade in 2025–26 stood at about $132.2 billion.
Sanctions law looms over ties
One point of friction is the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised India's concerns over the legislation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
New Delhi has been walking a fine line — deepening its strategic partnership with Washington while preserving its energy imports from Moscow, which remain central to India's fuel security and inflation management.
Sources: The Statesman, Financial Express
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump by telephone on Wednesday, describing the conversation as "productive" in a post on X, as the two countries continue negotiating a trade agreement and managing friction over Washington's new Russia-Iran sanctions law.
A Prime Minister's Office statement said the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across trade, defence, energy and critical technologies, and agreed to "maintain close engagement" to advance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues, including ongoing efforts to advance global peace and security.
Trade talks take centre stage
The call comes at a delicate moment for India-US economic ties. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in the United States for the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, scheduled for September 30 and October 1, and is expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines for further trade negotiations.
The US is India's largest trading partner. During April–August of fiscal 2026–27, India's merchandise exports to the United States rose 6.17 per cent to $42.8 billion, while imports grew 29.6 per cent to $28 billion. Bilateral merchandise trade in 2025–26 stood at about $132.2 billion.
Sanctions law looms over ties
One point of friction is the recently enacted Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which gives the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue purchasing Russian energy. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar raised India's concerns over the legislation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
New Delhi has been walking a fine line — deepening its strategic partnership with Washington while preserving its energy imports from Moscow, which remain central to India's fuel security and inflation management.
Sources: The Statesman, Financial Express
