The New Indian Express News

Modi, Trump hold 'warm and engaging' phone call, review progress in bilateral ties including trade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephonic conversation on Thursday, reviewing progress in the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and discussing ways to expand cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, critical technologies, energy, defence, and security. Describing the conversation as warm and engaging, PM Modi posted on X that the leaders discussed regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to work together for global peace, stability, and prosperity. 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 U.S. will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 11, 2025 A statement from officials highlighted that both leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady strengthening of bilateral cooperation across all domains. They underlined the importance of sustaining momentum in joint efforts to enhance trade and agreed to work closely to address shared challenges and advance common interests. The discussions also touched on the implementation of the India-US COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) for the 21st century. The call coincided with a two-day round of trade negotiations in New Delhi, aimed at finalising a long-pending trade arrangement. While Washington has been seeking greater market access for crops such as corn and soybeans, New Delhi has remained cautious about protecting its domestic farmers, particularly from imports of certain row crops, meats, and dairy products. Despite these challenges, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer described Indias latest proposals as the best ever received from the country, calling India a viable alternative market as the US looks to diversify trade channels.