'Thank you, my friend': Trump dials Modi for birthday greeting, PM backs Ukraine peace efforts

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi for birthday greetings.

“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday,” Modi said in a post on X.

Trump and Modi also discussed the India-US relationship and the Russian war on Ukraine. Modi extended support to Trump’s mediation in the conflict.

“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,” Modi further said.

The Modi-Trump call came hours after trade delegations of the two sides held talks in New Delhi . The US delegation was led by Brendan Lynch, the Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia. Both India and the United States described talks as “positive”.

‘Just had a wonderful call’

On his part, Trump described the call with “my friend” Modi as “wonderful”.

Trump also thanked Modi for support in ending the war in Ukraine.

“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!” said Trump on Truth Social.

The Trump-Modi call took place at a time when Trump and his aides have continued to slam India over tariffs and purchase of Russian oil.

In recent months, even as Trump and his officials frequently launched into tirades against India, the Modi government did not take the bait and enter into an escalatory spiral. India continued to engage the Trump administration to reach a middle ground if possible and mitigate the fallout of tariffs by finalising trade deals with other countries and blocs, such as the European Union (EU) and South American countries.

ALSO READ: As Trump tariffs kick in, India refuses to take the bait with a cautious tread

With 50 per cent tariffs, including 25 per cent ‘reciprocal tariff’ and 25 punitive tariff for the purchase of Russian oil; a slew of actions that undermine Indian positions on Kashmir, the India-Pakistan relationship, Operation Sindoor; and a growing partnership with Pakistan, Trump has plunged the India-US relationship to the lowest point in years. Observers have said that he has put at risk the bipartisan progress by both sides to cultivate India-US ties since the end of the Cold War.

However, there are signs that Trump is trying to correct at least some of his actions. In recent days, he has initiated an apparent outreach to Modi and has appreciated him multiple times even as he has continued to raise the issue of tariffs.