New Delhi/Washington:
On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday, US President Donald Trump struck a surprisingly warm tone, setting aside weeks of criticism over India’s Russian oil imports and the Ukraine war to extend personal greetings and public appreciation.
The call, made on Tuesday, was the first direct conversation between the two leaders since June 17, marking a significant thaw in relations that had soured after Washington imposed steep tariffs on Indian exports.
From Sanctions to Softness
For months, Trump had berated India for continuing to import oil from Russia, accusing New Delhi of indirectly prolonging the Ukraine war. In a dramatic escalation, his administration slapped an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods, bringing the total levy to 50 per cent—an unprecedented move that froze trade talks and pushed bilateral ties into a deep chill.
Yet, in a turn heavy with symbolism, Trump placed a phone call to Modi with no trace of reproach. Instead, he conveyed birthday wishes and thanked India for backing his push to end the Ukraine conflict.
Trump’s Public Praise
On his platform Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine!”
The message marked a striking departure from Trump’s earlier rhetoric, where he had portrayed India as complicit in Moscow’s war strategy.
Modi’s Measured Response
Modi, known for his careful diplomatic phrasing, responded via X (formerly Twitter):
“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.”
The exchange underscored Modi’s intent to reframe India’s position as one of constructive diplomacy rather than confrontation, even as New Delhi balances its historic ties with Moscow and strategic partnership with Washington.
Why It Matters
The warmth of the exchange contrasted sharply with the acrimony of recent weeks. Only days earlier, Trump’s team had accused India of undermining Western efforts to isolate Russia, while the double-layered tariffs left Indian exporters reeling. The freeze in trade negotiations had heightened fears of a prolonged standoff between the world’s two largest democracies.
Now, with Trump publicly acknowledging India’s role in promoting peace, analysts suggest there may be room for a reset. Modi’s response—highlighting both friendship and support for peace efforts—signaled India’s readiness to engage despite the bruising trade dispute.
Looking Ahead
Whether this cordial exchange translates into substantive policy shifts remains uncertain. Trade tariffs remain in place, and Washington’s concerns over Russian energy flows continue. But the symbolism of Trump’s outreach on Modi’s milestone birthday could open a new channel for dialogue.
For now, the message is clear: amidst tensions over tariffs and oil, personal diplomacy between leaders still has the power to reset the tone of international relations.
