 "(File) US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, on February 13, 2025. Reuters")
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wish him on his 75th birthday and announced he would speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week, signalling an effort to ease tensions with both New Delhi and Beijing.
Trump and Modi discussed bilateral relations and global issues, with the prime minister voicing support for Trump’s push for peace in Ukraine, according to people familiar with the call.
On the eve of the milestone, Trump struck a markedly softer tone — moving from weeks of criticism over India’s Russian oil imports and its role in the Ukraine war to extending warm wishes and public appreciation of New Delhi’s support for peace.
For months, Trump had lambasted India for buying Russian oil, accusing it of prolonging the conflict in Ukraine and even imposing a steep 50 per cent tariff on Indian goods. But on Tuesday, in a symbolic shift, he dialled PM Modi with no reproach — only birthday greetings and gratitude.
On Truth Social, Trump wrote effusively, “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 on X with a carefully worded message, “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.”
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWill Trump speak to Xi?
Separately, Trump on Monday announced that the US had reached a deal with Chinese app TikTok.
Speaking to reporters before his UK visit, he confirmed he would speak with President Xi Jinping later in the week.
“We have a deal on TikTok. I’ve reached a deal with China. I’m going to speak to President Xi on Friday to confirm everything up,” he said.
Officials said the agreement between Washington and Beijing would keep TikTok operational in the US, concluding a years-long tussle that began during Trump’s first term, CNN reported.
Trade tensions linger
The outreach coincided with talks in Washington aimed at reviving negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA).
The discussions had stalled after Trump imposed tariffs on Indian imports, linking the move to New Delhi’s continued oil purchases from Russia.
Reports in the Indian press suggested Trump had tried several times earlier to connect with PM Modi, but the prime minister was reluctant amid tariff tensions and claims that Trump sought to mediate a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Neither side has confirmed those reports.
Leaders exchange praise online
On Tuesday evening, the two leaders praised each other in social media posts following the phone call, signalling a thaw in ties after months of friction.