Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked President Donald Trump for a birthday call, called him “my friend,” and pledged to take the partnership to new heights.
• Modi voiced support for Trump’s initiative to seek a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict, and Trump praised Modi while welcoming the support.
• In New Delhi, USTR Brendan Lynch and India’s Commerce Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal held seven hours of “positive, forward-looking” talks on a trade deal.
• Both sides agreed to intensify efforts for an early, mutually beneficial agreement after a previously postponed round, with negotiations set to continue.
• The United States’ 50% tariffs on Indian goods tied to Russian oil purchases remain in effect, sustaining leverage over the talks.