President Trump dials PM Modi to extend Diwali greetings; bilateral trade issues figure in talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone this week in a conversation focused on trade, as both countries work to ease tensions following Washington's steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian exports.

- MPOST BUREAU

In brief remarks to reporters at the White House on Tuesday, Trump described relations with India as "great" and said the two nations were "working on some great deals." He added that trade was the central topic of discussion during the call. "We talked about trade, we talked about a lot of things, but mostly the world of trade," Trump said. "He's very interested in that."

In his response on social media, Modi thanked Trump for his Diwali greetings and the call. "Thank you, President Trump, for your phone call and warm Diwali greetings," Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “On this festival of lights, may our two great democracies continue to illuminate the world with hope and stand united against terrorism in all its forms."