New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today extended his congratulations to US President Donald Trump on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan, a major diplomatic initiative aimed at ending a war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives over the past two years. In a message posted on X, PM Modi described the ceasefire and hostage release agreement as a landmark step, while also confirming discussions on India-US trade negotiations.
“Spoke to my friend, President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. Also reviewed the good progress achieved in trade negotiations. Agreed to stay in close touch over the coming weeks,” the Prime Minister said.
The announcement comes as Israel confirmed that all parties involved in the conflict have signed the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal in Egypt. The agreement follows a 20-point peace plan announced by President Trump last month, in response to the conflict ignited by Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. Israeli authorities confirmed that phase one stipulates the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, within 72 hours, along with a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops and the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also envisions a significant surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the United Nations has recently declared a famine.
Trump’s plan additionally proposes the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a transitional authority in Gaza under the US president’s oversight, though these elements remain under discussion. The US President is expected to visit Jerusalem on Sunday and has not ruled out traveling to Egypt and Gaza as part of his ongoing peace efforts.
Alongside the Gaza discussions, PM Modi highlighted progress in India-US trade negotiations. The development comes days after Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal noted that both countries are engaged in continuous dialogue on the proposed bilateral trade agreement. “We are in constant dialogue with the US (on the trade pact), and talks are on at various levels. We will give more information on this soon on how we are thinking to take it forward,” Goyal said, emphasizing India’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers and the dairy sector.
The United States remains India’s largest trading partner for the fourth consecutive year, with bilateral trade reaching $131.84 billion in 2024-25, accounting for approximately 18 percent of India’s total goods exports and over 10 percent of its overall merchandise trade. Both nations have indicated that further discussions are likely to intensify in the coming weeks, with the goal of finalizing a comprehensive trade agreement by November.
PM Modi’s statements underline India’s dual focus on supporting global peace initiatives and strengthening economic collaboration with the United States, signaling a proactive approach to diplomacy and international trade.