India-US relations are improving! PM Modi spoke with Trump over the phone. What issues were discussed?

New Delhi: After months of strained relations, India and the United States are once again on track. In this regard, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump over the phone on Thursday. During the call, PM Modi congratulated Trump on the success of the peace proposal in Gaza. He also provided important information regarding the ongoing negotiations between India and the US regarding a trade deal.

Prime Minister Modi announced in a post on the social media platform Twitter on Thursday evening that he had spoken to the US President and congratulated him on the success of the historic peace plan in Gaza. The PM wrote, “Spoke to my friend President Trump and congratulated him on the success of the historic Gaza Peace Plan.” PM Modi further wrote, “We also reviewed the good progress achieved in the trade talks. We agreed to remain in touch in the coming weeks.”

Peace proposal welcomed
Prime Minister Modi had earlier welcomed Trump’s peace proposal for Gaza in another post on Thursday. He expressed hope for the early release of hostages and lasting peace. The Prime Minister had said, “We welcome the agreement reached on the first phase of President Trump’s peace plan. It is also a reflection of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strong leadership. We hope that the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza will bring relief to them and pave the way for lasting peace.” Previously, under an agreement presented by the Trump administration, Israel and Hamas agreed to halt the fierce fighting in Gaza and release some hostages and prisoners.

50% Tariffs Deteriorate Relations
It is noteworthy that in August, the US announced a 50% tariff on goods imported from India, including penalties imposed on the purchase of Russian oil. The US President and his ministers also accused India of financially supporting the Ukrainian war by purchasing Russian oil. Furthermore, ongoing discussions on a trade deal between India and the US were also postponed. Relations between India and the US had been strained since the hefty tariffs imposed by Trump.

19 US lawmakers wrote a letter to Trump
However, now both sides Following initiatives from both countries, discussions regarding a trade deal have resumed. Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal recently stated in a statement that discussions are ongoing between the two countries and an agreement could be reached soon.