PM Modi, Trump discuss trade, defence, energy; agree to deepen strategic ties

Trade, defence and energy were among the key issues discussed as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, with both leaders agreeing to maintain close engagement.PM said he had a "productive conversation" with Trump and that the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation across several key areas."Had a productive conversation with President Trump. We reviewed our bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas," PM Modi said in a post on X. He added that the two leaders agreed to maintain close engagement to take the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US forward.PM Modi and Trump also exchanged views on regional and international developments, including ongoing efforts to promote global peace and security. The call comes at a significant point in India-US relations, with trade negotiations, energy security and cooperation in strategic technologies all featuring prominently in the bilateral agenda.TRADE TALKS REMAIN A KEY FOCUSTrade remains one of the most important issues between New Delhi and Washington. India and the US have been negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement, with Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in the US from September 29 to October 5 for further discussions. The two countries were still working towards an interim trade deal after months of negotiations. The trade discussions are also taking place amid disagreements over US measures targeting countries that continue to buy Russian energy. India has warned that US tariffs linked to Russian oil purchases could affect bilateral ties, maintaining that protecting its energy security remains a priority.Defence cooperation has emerged as another major pillar of the relationship. India and the US have been working to deepen defence-industrial cooperation, including joint development, production and technology partnerships.Critical and emerging technologies are also becoming increasingly central to the partnership. The US-India TRUST initiative covers areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, biotechnology, energy and space. It evolved from the earlier Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology, or iCET.PM Modi and Trump last met in person on June 17, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. During that meeting, the two leaders reviewed progress in defence, strategic technologies, energy and bilateral trade, while also discussing efforts towards an interim bilateral trade agreement.- Ends