Modi, Trump discuss progress in ties, trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump on Thursday discussed ways to sustain momentum in enhancing bilateral trade, people familiar with the matter said amid emerging signals that the two sides may be inching towards a trade deal to address months of strained ties over Washington's trade and tariff policies.

- Rezaul H Laskar

The two leaders spoke on phone for the first time since October as the new US deputy trade representative, Rick Switzer, concluded a two-day visit to India, during which he engaged with top officials, including commerce secretary Rajesh Agrawal.

"Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump. We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity," Modi said on social media after the phone conversation.

A readout from the Indian government said the leaders reviewed the "steady progress" in bilateral relations but didn't provide any details.

The people cited above said on condition of anonymity that the two leaders emphasised the importance of sustaining momentum in efforts to enhance bilateral trade. The people said. they also discussed ways to expand cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defence and security, and other priority areas key to the implementation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce and Technology), which was unveiled when they last met face-to-face in Washington in February.