MODI AND TRUMP REOPEN TRADE CHANNEL AS INDIA-US NEGOTIATIONS ENTER CRITICAL PHASE

September 30, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on Wednesday as India and the United States continued negotiations towards a bilateral trade agreement.

Modi described the discussion as productive, saying the two leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and efforts to promote global peace and security.

The conversation comes as Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the United States for discussions aimed at advancing an interim trade arrangement and the broader India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement. The two countries have been negotiating the pact amid differences over tariffs and market access.

Trade negotiations have also been taking place against the backdrop of new US measures concerning countries purchasing Russian energy. India has raised concerns with Washington over the implications of those measures for its economic and energy interests.

The two leaders agreed to maintain close engagement and continue efforts to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. No new trade agreement was announced following the telephone conversation.

The latest talks are expected to keep diplomatic channels open as officials from both countries work through outstanding issues surrounding tariffs, trade access and the proposed bilateral agreement.