Modi speaks with Trump as India seeks interim deal with US

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump spoke on Wednesday and said they would maintain close engagement to advance their countries’ strategic partnership, the government of India announced. The discussion occurred as India’s trade minister led talks with U.S. officials over an interim trade arrangement intended to deepen commercial ties while negotiations on a broader framework continue. Indian officials described the exchange as constructive and noted that both sides are committed to delivering tangible outcomes that could improve market access and investment opportunities, without revealing specific terms. The talks are part of a broader effort to shape a stable and predictable bilateral relationship amid evolving global economic dynamics. No formal agreement was announced in the brief statement, and New Delhi did not disclose a timeline for the next round of discussions. The emphasis, according to New Delhi, is to pursue the interim arrangement as a stepping stone toward a more comprehensive long-term economic pact, with the trade minister’s discussions in parallel with the leaders’ diplomatic engagement.