New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for extending warm birthday wishes as he prepares to mark his 75th birthday. The exchange of messages, though celebratory in tone, comes at a time when India and the United States are navigating through one of the toughest phases in their recent trade relationship.
Taking to X, the Prime Minister acknowledged Trump’s greetings and emphasized India’s commitment to elevating the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between the two nations. “Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-U.S. Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” Modi wrote.
Trump, in response through a post on Truth Social, said he had held a “wonderful call” with Modi, praising the Indian leader for doing a “tremendous job” and reaffirming his appreciation for India’s backing of U.S. efforts in seeking a peaceful solution to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.
The goodwill exchange arrives against the backdrop of steep U.S. tariffs imposed on India a 50% duty on Indian imports and a 25% levy on Russian oil purchases by New Delhi, among the highest penalties currently enforced against any country. The trade friction was further heightened by U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s recent warning that India risked losing access to the American market if it continued to resist U.S. agricultural exports, particularly corn.
Yet, in a sign of a tentative thaw, senior officials from both sides resumed trade negotiations this week the first since the tariffs came into effect. The discussions, described by Washington as “positive,” reflect a willingness to bridge differences and prevent a deeper downturn in ties.
The decision to reopen dialogue followed Modi’s conciliatory remarks last week in response to Trump’s comments on “trade barriers,” with the U.S. president stating he was optimistic about concluding a trade deal soon.
The India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, spanning defense, trade, energy, and technology, has set ambitious goals. Earlier this year, during their February summit in Washington, Modi and Trump outlined a target to more than double bilateral trade volumes, aiming for $500 billion by 2030.
While challenges remain, the exchange of birthday greetings coupled with renewed trade talks suggests that both sides are keen to balance firmness with diplomacy in steering the partnership forward.