US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a birthday message on Tuesday, calling him a “friend” and lauding his leadership as “tremendous.” In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump 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.”
The US President also thanked PM Modi for backing his efforts to end the Russia–Ukraine war, adding, “Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!”
The warm exchange comes as New Delhi and Washington are working to move forward on stalled trade negotiations. PM Modi had earlier thanked Donald Trump for his greetings and reaffirmed his commitment to elevating the India–US Comprehensive and Global Partnership.
“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,” PM Modi wrote.
The exchange comes at a time when India–US ties have been tested by steep tariffs imposed by Washington, including a 50 per cent duty on Indian imports and an additional 25 per cent levy linked to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian crude oil. Despite the strain, both governments have signalled a willingness to move forward.
Officials from both sides met on Tuesday for discussions described as “positive”, raising hopes of narrowing differences and reviving progress on a long-delayed bilateral trade deal. Donald Trump had earlier said he was “pleased” that talks to address trade barriers were continuing and expressed confidence that both countries would be able to reach a “successful conclusion.”
