Trump and Modi Maintain Frequent Talks Amid Renewed US-India Trade and Defence Cooperation
US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi engage in frequent communications, pushing serious trade negotiations to improve relations following tariff tensions. Both countries signed a 10-year defence framework agreement enhancing military cooperation, coordination, and technology sharing. While US-India relations faced challenges due to tariffs on Indian imports linked to Russian oil purchases, ongoing discussions point to a thaw and strengthened strategic partnership.
The White House confirmed ongoing regular communication between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with active and serious trade discussions aimed at resolving tensions following the imposition of 50% tariffs by the US on Indian imports, a response to India's Russian oil purchases. Although India has not officially confirmed reducing Russian oil imports as claimed by the US, refiners have reportedly cut some imports following US sanctions on Russian firms. Amid this backdrop, both nations signed a landmark 10-year defence framework agreement on October 31, 2025, described by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as a cornerstone for regional stability and deterrence. The pact focuses on enhanced military coordination, information sharing, and technology collaboration, signaling a deepening of the strategic defence partnership. Earlier diplomatic engagements, including meetings between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and India's Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, reaffirmed this evolving partnership. The agreements and discussions represent a significant recalibration of US-India relations after earlier trade disputes, aiming to foster a robust bilateral relationship across trade, defence, and strategic sectors in the Indo-Pacific region.
