Hopes of thaw in ties: Trump extends birthday greetings to 'friend' Modi

India, US push for early conclusion of trade pact

- MPOST BUREAU

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called up Prime Minister Narendra Modi and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday, sparking hopes of a reset in the bilateral ties that came under severe strain after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

In a social media post, Modi said that like Trump, he is also “fully” committed to taking the India-US comprehensive and global partnership to “new heights”.

PM Modi also conveyed to President Trump that India supports his initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.

Trump said Modi is doing a tremendous job and thanked the prime minister for his support in ending the war in Ukraine.

The US president's call to PM Modi came on a day India and the US held a fresh round of talks in New Delhi on their proposed bilateral trade agreement.

“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday," Modi said on 'X' "Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-ÚS Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights," he said.

"We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict," he added.