Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a wide-ranging telephonic conversation on December 11, reviewing the steady progress of the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation across key sectors, including trade, technology, defence, energy, and global security.
The discussion comes amid renewed momentum in bilateral ties and ongoing trade negotiations between the two democracies, as well as evolving regional and global geopolitical challenges. Both leaders agreed on the importance of working closely to advance shared interests and address common concerns.
Following the call, Prime Minister Modi described the interaction as constructive and forward-looking.
“Had a very warm and engaging conversation with President Trump,” Modi said in a post on X. “We reviewed the progress in our bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments. India and the US will continue to work together for global peace, stability and prosperity.”
Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation
During the conversation, the two leaders underscored the need to sustain momentum in efforts to enhance bilateral trade and economic engagement, an area that has gained prominence amid ongoing negotiations between the two sides.
President Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about trade talks with India. Speaking at a White House press conference on November 6, he said discussions were going “very well.”
“He’s a friend of mine, and we speak, and he wants me to go there. We’ll figure that out. I’ll go,” Trump said, referring to Prime Minister Modi. “He’s a great man and I’ll be going.”
When asked whether the visit could take place next year, Trump responded, “It could be, yeah,” recalling his 2020 visit to India, which he described as “a great trip” with the Prime Minister.
Strategic Partnership and COMPACT Framework
According to official sources, Modi and Trump reviewed progress under the India–US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, expressing satisfaction over the strengthening of cooperation across political, economic, defence, and people-to-people domains.
A key part of the discussion focused on expanding collaboration in critical and emerging technologies, energy security, defence manufacturing, and strategic security cooperation. These areas form the core of the India–US COMPACT (Catalyzing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) framework for the 21st century.
“The leaders exchanged views on expanding cooperation in priority areas central to the implementation of COMPACT,” an official familiar with the discussions said, noting that both sides see technology and innovation as central pillars of the partnership.
Regional and Global Developments
Beyond bilateral issues, Modi and Trump also discussed regional and global developments, agreeing on the importance of close coordination in addressing shared challenges. While specific regions were not detailed, the conversation took place amid global tensions, including conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to global peace, stability, and prosperity, reflecting the increasingly strategic nature of India–US ties.
Energy and Geopolitics
In recent remarks, President Trump claimed that India has “largely stopped buying oil from Russia,” a statement that has drawn attention amid shifting global energy markets and geopolitical realignments. While Indian officials have not publicly commented on the assertion, energy security remains a key area of engagement between New Delhi and Washington.
White House Signals Strong Ties
The phone conversation follows a series of positive signals from the White House regarding India–US relations. On November 4, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump feels “very positive and strongly” about ties with India.
“I know the President has great respect for Prime Minister Modi, and they speak pretty frequently,” Leavitt said, underscoring the personal rapport between the two leaders.
On trade negotiations, she added that Trump and his team are engaged in “very serious discussions” with India. “The President and his trade team continue to be in very serious discussions with India with respect to that topic,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Analysts say the latest conversation reflects continuity and growing strategic convergence between India and the United States, particularly as both countries navigate economic uncertainty, technological competition, and shifting global alliances.
“The emphasis on trade, technology, and defence cooperation suggests both sides are looking beyond short-term issues and focusing on long-term strategic alignment,” said a foreign policy expert tracking India–US relations.
With a potential Trump visit to India on the horizon and trade talks progressing, the phone call is being seen as a reaffirmation of the central role the India–US partnership plays in shaping regional and global outcomes in the years ahead.
