On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, US President Donald Trump shifted his stance, setting aside weeks of criticising India over its Russian oil imports and its role in the Ukraine war to offer warm birthday wishes and a notable public endorsement of New Delhi’s support for peace.
For months, Trump had lambasted India over its Russian oil purchases, accusing New Delhi of prolonging the Ukraine war and imposing a severe 50 pc tariff on Indian goods. However, on Tuesday, in a symbolic gesture, he telephoned PM Modi, delivering birthday greetings and gratitude for India’s efforts to seek an end to the conflict, without any reproach.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote enthusiastically: "Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine!"
PM Modi, characteristically measured, responded with a carefully worded post on X: "Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict."
The exchange was striking not only for its timing but also for its stark contrast with recent tensions. Just weeks ago, Washington had been berating India, blaming its oil imports from Moscow for fuelling the war and justifying unprecedented trade penalties—a 25 per cent levy on Indian goods, compounded by an additional 25 pc penalty linked to Russian imports.
Relations had been frosty, trade talks had stalled, and tensions were high. However, a diplomatic shift began earlier this month. On September 6, Trump softened his rhetoric, describing the India-US bond as "special" and insisting "there is nothing to worry about".
PM Modi promptly reciprocated, calling America a "close friend and natural partner". In the following days, Trump hinted at easing trade tensions, expressing confidence that negotiations would succeed, while Modi spoke of unlocking the "limitless potential" of bilateral ties.
Against this backdrop, Tuesday’s phone call marked the first step towards reconciliation. For months, New Delhi has held firm, refusing to bow to US pressure on opening its dairy and farm sectors—red lines India believes would devastate millions of farmers.
This resolve had deepened Washington’s unease. Yet, on the eve of PM Modi’s milestone birthday, Trump’s pivot was clear: from accusing India of “funding Russia’s war” to praising PM Modi as a “friend” and thanking him for supporting peace.
TRADE TALKS RESUME IN NEW DELHI
The diplomatic reset between India and the United States gained momentum on Tuesday as the two sides resumed trade negotiations in New Delhi, marking their first face-to-face engagement since Washington imposed steep 50 pc tariffs on Indian exports last month over New Delhi’s continued oil trade with Russia.
The day-long discussions, which lasted nearly seven hours, were described by both governments as “positive and forward-looking”. A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by Chief Negotiator Brendan Lynch, met senior Indian officials headed by Commerce Department Special Secretary Rajesh Agarwal.
According to a statement from the Commerce Ministry, both sides agreed to intensify efforts for an early conclusion of a “mutually beneficial” trade agreement.
Officials clarified that Tuesday’s dialogue was not a formal sixth round of negotiations, which had stalled in August, but a preparatory meeting to pave the way for the next phase of talks.
Also Read: There are certain red lines: EAM on trade talks with US
Nevertheless, the symbolism was evident: after weeks of tariff-driven discord, Washington and New Delhi appeared keen to restore momentum to a deal that has long remained elusive.
The talks follow a thaw in relations after weeks of public disputes. President Donald Trump had castigated India for refusing to halt Russian oil imports, using the issue as a pretext to impose a punitive tariff regime that plunged relations into a deep freeze. However, in recent days, Trump has softened his tone, declaring himself “optimistic” about concluding a deal with India and even lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “dear friend”.
For now, the resumption of negotiations offers a glimmer of reconciliation, an opportunity to move beyond confrontation towards what both sides publicly affirm as their goal: a “comprehensive, balanced, and forward-looking” partnership capable of navigating differences over oil, tariffs, and the Ukraine war.
Also Read: US, India resume trade talks after tariff spat
Follow us
