Modi-Trump Call Reviews Ties and West Asia Tensions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and United States President Donald Trump held a 40-minute phone conversation on Tuesday, reviewing progress in bilateral cooperation and discussing regional tensions in West Asia, particularly the need to secure the Strait of Hormuz amid a recent U.S. naval blockade.

The call, initiated by Trump, marked the third discussion between the leaders this year. It followed their February 2 conversation on advancing a bilateral trade deal and a March 24 exchange focused on the escalating situation in West Asia. Tuesday's dialogue came days after U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad concluded without agreement over the weekend, leaving a fragile ceasefire in place. The negotiations, which spanned nearly 21 hours, faltered primarily over Iran's nuclear program. The U.S. had proposed a 20-year freeze on uranium enrichment, while Iran offered only a five-year commitment, according to reports from the talks.

During the call, Modi and Trump noted substantial advancements in sectors including trade and energy, reaffirming their commitment to the India-U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, who commented on the...