Trump’s Birthday Call to Modi Marks Thaw After Weeks of Strained Ties

After months of frosty silence and mounting tensions over tariffs and Russian oil imports, US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi reconnected through a warm birthday call on Tuesday. The exchange, their first since June, comes as both nations attempt to steady relations strained by trade disputes and public criticism.

According to official statements, Trump personally called Modi on his 75th birthday, praising his leadership and efforts to promote peace. Posting on Truth Social, 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. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine.”

Modi responded publicly on X, expressing gratitude: “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.”

A Rocky Road Since June

The birthday call marked the first direct conversation between the two leaders since their tense June exchange following Operation Sindoor and India’s brief conflict with Pakistan. That 35-minute call, described as “testy” by the New York Times, reportedly involved Trump pressing his mediation claims in South Asia—claims Modi firmly rejected, emphasizing India’s refusal to accept outside intervention.

Since then, ties worsened as Washington imposed steep tariffs and repeatedly criticized India’s oil purchases from Russia. Trump personally accused India of fueling Moscow’s war machine and called its economy “dead,” while top officials labeled New Delhi a “bad actor” and a “laundromat” for the Kremlin.

Turning Point

The sharp rhetoric appeared to ease following Modi’s visible camaraderie with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin. Shortly afterward, Trump softened his tone, describing India as a “special friend” and signaling a desire to resolve trade frictions.

Last week, Trump announced that negotiations to reduce trade barriers were back on track. A US trade team’s visit to New Delhi this week resulted in “positive” discussions, raising hopes of reviving a bilateral agreement. Washington’s decision to step back on tariffs suggests further concessions may follow, including a possible shift on the Russian oil issue.

What Lies Ahead

While the birthday call has been widely viewed as a symbolic reset, it remains unclear if this charm offensive will translate into concrete policy changes. With negotiations reopening and both leaders publicly reaffirming friendship, the coming weeks may determine whether the India-US partnership can regain its momentum.