What Did Modi and Trump Discuss? Insights into India-US Relations

In a recent phone call, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump discussed the progress of their bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defense, and energy. This conversation comes amid rising trade tensions due to new sanctions affecting countries like India. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also addressed concerns regarding the sanctions during a meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is in the US for G20 discussions, aiming to finalize a Bilateral Trade Agreement. With significant increases in trade between the two nations, the US remains India's largest trading partner. Read on for more insights into this crucial dialogue.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 30, 2026, 20:50 IST

Strengthening Ties: Modi and Trump Connect

New Delhi: On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a phone call with US President Donald Trump to assess the progress in their bilateral relationship. Their conversation encompassed key areas of mutual interest, including trade, defense, and energy.

This dialogue took place amid rising trade tensions following the introduction of the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026', which permits tariffs of up to 100% on countries importing Russian oil and gas, impacting nations like India and China.

During the same period, Chinese President Xi Jinping was in the US from September 23 to 25, where he also held discussions with Trump.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Modi and Trump exchanged insights on both regional and global developments, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to foster international peace and security.

The leaders reiterated their dedication to enhancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close collaboration for the benefit of both nations.

The statement highlighted that they reviewed advancements in bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including trade, defense, energy, and critical technologies.

Modi later shared on 'X' that the conversation with Trump was fruitful, stating, "We reviewed our bilateral cooperation in trade, defense, energy, critical technologies, and other areas. We agreed to maintain close engagement to advance our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership." Both leaders committed to staying in contact.

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.

We also exchanged…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2026

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during the UN General Assembly in New York, where they discussed India's concerns regarding the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act (SRIA).

Jaishankar noted, "Good to meet @SecRubio of the US #UNHighLevelWeek. Reiterated India’s interests and concerns with regard to SRIA. Also discussed the Gulf and Ukraine situations." India remains a significant purchaser of Russian oil.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in the US for the G20 trade ministers' meeting, where he plans to meet with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Goyal aims to engage bilaterally to further the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and finalize an interim deal as outlined in the Joint Statement from February 7, 2026.

In February, both nations announced the completion of the framework for the first phase of the BTA. However, changes in the US tariff landscape have necessitated further negotiations.

On September 24, Goyal stated that the trade agreement between India and the US is "done and dusted" and will be implemented once the US provides India with a competitive edge in the American market.

Currently, Indian products face an additional 10% duty due to a Section 301 investigation concerning "forced labor".

Goyal last met with USTR Greer in June, leading an official delegation during June 22-24.

The two leaders conducted a thorough review of essential BTA components, including enhanced market access, digital trade, supply chain resilience, reduction of non-tariff barriers, and expanded cooperation in strategic sectors. Discussions focused on pathways to finalize an interim agreement as a crucial step toward a comprehensive BTA, according to a commerce ministry statement dated June 24.

India's exports to the US surged by 21.83% to USD 8.4 billion, while imports rose by 65.78% to USD 5.97 billion.

From April to August 2026-27, India's merchandise exports to the US increased by 6.17% to USD 42.8 billion, with imports growing by 29.6% to USD 28 billion.

In the fiscal year 2025-26, the US emerged as India's largest trading partner, with a total trade volume of USD 132.2 billion (USD 86.51 billion in exports and USD 45.62 billion in imports).

India's primary merchandise exports include electronic goods, engineering products, and pharmaceuticals, while its imports consist of crude petroleum, electronic items, and industrial machinery.