Overview

• President Donald Trump phoned Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 75th birthday, lauded their relationship, and simultaneously defended sanctions-level tariffs, including a 25% surcharge tied to India’s Russian crude trade.
• A USTR delegation led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch met Indian officials on September 16 and agreed to intensify work toward an India–U.S. bilateral trade agreement.
• Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov criticized Washington’s tariff threats toward India and China, saying ultimatums would not work on the two "ancient civilisations."
• Indian officials continued to defend purchases of Russian oil as lawful decisions driven by national interest and market dynamics.
• Analysts offered contrasting readings of the moment, with Brahma Chellaney calling Trump’s praise a "velvet glove" over hard pressure and Ian Bremmer noting Modi publicly contradicted Trump’s India–Pakistan ceasefire claim.