Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday as India and the United States continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. The conversation comes as India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is in the United States for talks aimed at advancing an interim trade arrangement.
According to India’s Prime Minister’s Office, Modi and Trump reviewed cooperation in several areas, including trade, defence, energy and critical technologies. The two leaders also discussed regional and international developments and agreed to remain closely engaged to advance the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.
Modi described the conversation as productive in a post on social media, saying the two countries would continue working to deepen their strategic partnership. The call did not announce a completed trade agreement or disclose specific new tariff commitments.
Trade Talks Continue
India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the United States from September 29 to October 5. During the visit, he is expected to hold discussions with US officials on the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and efforts to finalise an interim deal.
New Delhi has said it wants a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement. The negotiations have continued for months, with differences remaining over market access, tariffs and other trade-related issues. India has also raised concerns about US tariff measures connected to its purchases of Russian oil.
The two countries had announced a framework for an interim trade agreement in February 2026. The framework included proposed reductions or elimination of Indian tariffs on a range of US industrial, agricultural and food products, alongside US commitments related to tariffs on Indian goods and continued negotiations toward a broader bilateral trade agreement.
Focus on Wider Strategic Partnership
Beyond trade, the Modi-Trump conversation covered defence, energy and critical technologies, reflecting the broader scope of India-US relations. Both governments have also identified technology cooperation and resilient supply chains as areas for deeper collaboration.
For now, the latest conversation signals continued high-level engagement while trade negotiators work through unresolved issues. India and the US have yet to announce the finalisation of the proposed interim arrangement.