US President Donald Trump on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “friend” and said the two leaders had a “very good conversation,” underlining continued engagement between Washington and New Delhi at a time of heightened geopolitical activity in West Asia.
Responding to a query by Asian News International, Trump said, “I had a very good talk with him, and he's a friend of mine from India, and he's doing great.” He added that the exchange covered a range of issues, though he did not elaborate further.
The remarks follow Modi’s disclosure earlier this week that he had received a call from Trump, during which both leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
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In a post on X, the Prime Minister said the two sides discussed progress across sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Focus on West Asia and maritime security
Modi highlighted that their talk also covered issues related to the conflicts in West Asia, where both sides reiterated the significance of ensuring stability in important sea lines of communication.
“We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” he added.
The reference to the Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s key oil transit routes, the Indian Prime Minister alluded to the increasing global worry about disruption in international maritime trade routes and rising regional instability.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the exchange as “a very positive and productive call” in a post on X, signalling alignment on strategic priorities.
Diplomacy at play in a restless region
Trump’s call with Modi coincides with diplomatic initiatives being pushed forward by Washington, which seeks to reduce the volatility in the West Asian region.
Trump reported that both Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement to observe a 10-day ceasefire after recent exchanges. He added that talks with Lebanon’s president, Joseph Aoun, and Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, played key roles in the agreement.
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According to Trump, senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been tasked with advancing negotiations toward a longer-term settlement.
“It has been my honour to solve nine wars across the world, and this will be my tenth,” Trump said, framing the ceasefire as part of a wider diplomatic push.
The developments highlight how India and the US continue to engage closely on global security issues, particularly in regions where economic and strategic interests intersect.
