In their first phone conversation in months, US President Donald Trump called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to extend greetings on his 75th birthday.
Prime Minister Modi, in a post on X, called Trump his “friend” and thanked him for the wishes.
“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,” PM Modi wrote.
The phone call comes as US Assistant Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch held talks with India’s chief trade negotiator and Ministry of Commerce and Industry Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal in Delhi.
Both sides termed the discussions as “positive.”
A statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry termed the talks as “positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal.” It added that both sides “decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement.”
The phone call comes days after President Trump announced the resumption of trade talks with India.
“I am pleased to announce that India and the United States of America are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two nations,” he posted on Truth Social on September 9.
“I feel certain that there will be no difficulty in coming to a successful conclusion for both of our Great Countries,” he added.
Trump also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very good friend” and said he looked forward to speaking with him “in the upcoming weeks.”
Reacting to Trump’s remarks, PM Modi posted on X, affirming the strength of the India-US relationship and expressing confidence in the outcome of the ongoing trade dialogue.
“India and the US are close friends and natural partners. I am confident that our trade negotiations will pave the way for unlocking the limitless potential of the India-US partnership,” PM Modi wrote.
Sergio Gor, President Donald Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to India, also called New Delhi a “strategic partner” during his Senate confirmation hearing last week and promised to strengthen defence and economic ties with New Delhi.
Gor also revealed that India and the US are close to a trade deal.
“We're actively negotiating with the Indians right now. We're not that far apart right now on a deal. In fact, they're negotiating down nitty-gritty of a deal,” he said.
CWG 2026: Preeti, Jaismine, Sakshi, Sachin win as India rule boxing ring with seven gold
Indian boxing scripted history at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow on Saturday by bagging seven gold medals — the highest-ever gold haul for the country in the competition.
Five NE states record below-normal monsoon rainfall in June-July despite widespread floods
Even as several Northeastern states were battered by heavy rains, floods and landslides during July, five of the region's eight states recorded below-normal monsoon rainfall so far due to weak rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal, the absence of active monsoon troughs and the influence of El Nino, India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials said on Saturday.
Blood donation movement witnessing a renaissance in Tripura: CM
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today said that there is currently a renaissance in the blood donation movement in the state. Along with creating a sense of spirituality through blood donation, a sweet bond is developed between the blood donor and the recipient.
Residents allege irregularities in Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road repair work, seek official inquiry
Allegations of irregularities have surfaced in the ongoing maintenance work on the Dharmanagar–Kailashahar road, with local residents claiming that the project is not being executed in accordance with the approved work order. They have urged the authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the matter.
Sports Minister inspects construction of youth hostel in Kailashahar
Tripura Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Tinku Roy on Saturday inspected the ongoing construction of a 200-bed Youth Hostel at Ward No. 14 of the Kailashahar Municipal Council in Unakoti district. Senior officials of the concerned department accompanied the minister during the visit.
Infant found dead in well in North district
A pall of grief and shock has descended on North Gopalpur village in North Tripura district after the body of a 12-day-old baby girl was recovered from a well early on Saturday morning.
Ahmedabad to officially receive Commonwealth Games Flag, Host Baton at Glasgow closing ceremony
Ahmedabad's preparations to host the centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games will formally begin on Sunday when the city receives the Commonwealth Games flag and the Host Baton during the closing ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
AGMC to be top medical, research centre in NE: Tripura CM
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Saturday said the state government is working relentlessly to transform the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital into one of the best medical education, research and super-speciality healthcare institutions in Northeast India, while strengthening the state’s overall healthcare ecosystem.