‘Very good conversation’: Trump and Modi discuss global security in high-stakes phone call

Washington: Donald Trump on Friday said he had a “very good conversation” with his “friend”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting strong US–India ties amid the escalating West Asia crisis.

Referring to their recent phone call, Trump said the discussion focused on bilateral relations and regional security concerns. “I had a very good talk with him, and he's a friend of mine from India, and he's doing great. We had a very good conversation,” Trump told reporters as he travelled to Las Vegas for a tax cuts roundtable.

The Trump–Modi call, comes against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in West Asia, including the implications of the Iran war on global stability and energy markets.

The United States and Iran had earlier agreed to a two-week ceasefire on April 7, followed by peace talks in Washington. The US has been pressing Tehran to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions and halt uranium enrichment.

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The Iran conflict has triggered volatility in global oil markets, with Tehran blocking key shipping routes in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz — a narrow passage that handles nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. Rising fuel prices have intensified global economic concerns.

During the conversation, both Trump and Modi underscored the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and secure, stressing its importance for global trade and energy security.

According to US Ambassador to India Sergei Gor, the 40-minute call concluded on a warm note, with Trump telling Modi, “we all love you”.

Tuesday’s call marked the second conversation between the two leaders since the US–Israel conflict with Iran began on February 28, signalling continued diplomatic engagement between Washington and New Delhi.

PTI