PM Modi Beats Trump at His Own Game: Birthday Call Sparks Fresh India-US Chatter

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who turned 75 on September 17, received his first birthday wish from US President Donald Trump in what marked their first direct contact in 90 days. The phone call, however, became notable not for the pleasantries exchanged but for the way Modi seized control of the narrative.

At 10:53 pm, the Prime Minister posted on X (formerly Twitter) about Trump’s call, thanking him for his greetings and expressing commitment to strengthening the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership. He also backed Trump’s initiatives on the Ukraine conflict, a significant remark given recent US criticism of India’s energy trade with Russia. Trump’s post on Truth Social followed at 11:30 pm, nearly 40 minutes later.

For observers, the sequence mattered. Known for his theatrical style and ability to dominate global news cycles, Trump has often overshadowed counterparts with impulsive statements. By getting ahead online, Modi ensured India’s version of events was the first to circulate.

Trump’s post, in which he directly addressed “Narendra” and praised Modi’s leadership, underscored the thaw after months of strained ties. Since June, India-US relations had been under pressure following tariff hikes, suspended trade negotiations, and Modi’s refusal to entertain Trump’s claims of mediating regional conflicts. At one point, Modi declined Trump’s invite for a Washington stopover, further souring the atmosphere.

The frostiness stemmed from a blunt June 17 call, where Modi reportedly dismissed Trump’s claims of brokering a ceasefire between India and Pakistan and distanced himself from Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize aspirations. The fallout saw tariffs escalate and Modi refusing Trump’s calls on multiple occasions.

However, the dynamics shifted earlier this month when Trump, wary of India’s growing engagement with China and Russia, reached out with conciliatory remarks. Modi reciprocated, labelling the US a “close friend and natural partner.”

The birthday call, therefore, carried significance beyond protocol. It coincided with the resumption of trade talks, raising speculation that Washington may ease tariffs as a goodwill gesture. Whether Trump follows through remains to be seen, but Modi’s timely social media post demonstrated that New Delhi has learned to manage Trump’s unpredictable playbook.