PM Modi-Trump phone call ‘moment of bonhomie’, says former senior Indian official (IANS Exclusive)
US President Donald Trump recently picked up the phone to wish Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi a happy 75th birthday, sparking fresh hopes for stronger India-US ties. The call, just days ago, highlighted the warm friendship between the two leaders and touched on key issues like trade and global peace.
Former Indian government official Jayant Krishna, now a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and ex-CEO of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), called it another “moment of bonhomie.” Speaking to , he praised Trump’s kind words for Modi, saying they signal good news for bilateral relations. “Heads of state often chat like this with allies, but this one stands out. Trump said Modi is doing a tremendous job for India. Let’s hope India-US relations keep moving forward, with trade talks picking up speed for a win-win deal,” Krishna added.
This was the leaders’ first phone conversation in months. Trump reached out on Tuesday to extend birthday greetings. Modi responded on X (formerly Twitter), thanking his “friend” Trump. “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,” Modi posted.
Trump shared his side on Truth Social, describing the talk as “wonderful.” He wrote: “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! President DJT.”
The call came right after positive trade discussions in Delhi between US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and India’s chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. Both sides called the meeting “positive,” focusing on stock-taking to push forward.
Krishna, who also served as Group CEO of the UK-India Business Council, welcomed the restart of dialogue. “This was a positive, forward-looking exercise. It sets the stage for the sixth round of India-US trade negotiations after a two-month break. I’m optimistic these talks will speed up and lead to a deal in the next two months,” he said.
He also commended India’s smart handling of recent tensions with the US. Despite sharp criticisms from Trump administration figures like Senior Trade Advisor Peter Navarro and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, India stayed calm and didn’t hit back publicly. “India handled it with maturity and responsibility. In negotiations, separate people from the problem—focus on interests, not positions. India did that perfectly,” Krishna noted.
Looking ahead, Krishna doesn’t expect big shifts in India’s approach during the ongoing India-US trade talks. He predicts some flexibility on farm and dairy products, perhaps adjusting tariffs, but no major changes. “The US should understand India’s limited room to bend on agriculture and dairy. It’s a sensitive area,” he explained.
On the US imposing 25% tariffs on India for buying Russian oil, Krishna sees it as a possible bargaining chip. The US might use it to push for better market access for American exports. But he urges India to stay pragmatic. “Lowering tariffs on other goods is coming anyway. India should use this to fuel the next round of bilateral trade negotiations. Win-win deals need give and take—a mix of standing firm and compromising wisely,” he advised.
As India-US relations evolve, these steps could strengthen the partnership, boosting trade and cooperation on global challenges like the Ukraine conflict.
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