Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he had a “productive conversation” with
US President Donald Trump. The two leaders reviewed India-US cooperation in several key areas. The discussion covered trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. They also discussed other areas of bilateral cooperation.
In a post on X, Modi said both sides agreed to remain in close contact. The aim is to take the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward.
“Had a productive conversation with President Trump. We reviewed our bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas. We agreed to maintain close engagement to take our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward,” he wrote.
The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments. In addition, they exchanged views on efforts to promote global peace and security.
Jaishankar says US once wanted India to limit its options
The conversation came a day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke about India’s changing foreign policy approach.
Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar said the United States had earlier wanted India to focus mainly on its ties with Washington.
“There was once a narrative in America that we don’t like India having too many options. We want you to focus on your relationship with us even though America kept its options open. Today that pretence has dropped,” he said.
Jaishankar said the situation has changed. According to him, countries are now building ties with several partners.
He also described this change as part of a wider move towards a multipolar world. Countries are increasingly seeking relationships with multiple major powers instead of limiting their diplomatic choices.
“Everybody is openly dealing with everybody else,” Jaishankar said, adding, “And that is how we are heading towards a multipolar world.”
India-US ties remain focused on key areas
Meanwhile, trade remains an important part of the India-US relationship. Jaishankar had also said that a trade agreement, if concluded, could help improve bilateral ties. He noted that negotiations had taken longer because of their complexity.
Against this backdrop, Modi and Trump’s latest conversation covered several major areas. These included trade, defence, energy and critical technologies.
The leaders also agreed to maintain close engagement. They will continue working to advance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the United States.
