‘We agreed to trade deal’: Trump dials PM Modi, reduces tariffs on India from 25% to 18%

New Delhi / Washington:

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, according to a social media post from U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor. The brief announcement by the envoy on X (formerly Twitter) simply said, “President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi. Stay tuned…” signaling potential developments in diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.

While the ambassador provided no detailed readout of the conversation, his public acknowledgment of the call comes at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations, with both sides navigating longstanding trade tensions and efforts to finalize broader agreements.

Trump and Modi’s telephone outreach follows several months of diplomacy between Washington and New Delhi, including efforts to address disputes over tariffs and trade access. The two leaders have engaged in frequent communication as they seek to manage differences while reinforcing shared interests.

In his social media message, Ambassador Sergio Gor — who assumed his post as U.S. envoy earlier this year — did not outline specific topics discussed during the call. Instead, his “Stay tuned” remark sparked speculation among analysts and media that the dialogue could lead to announcements on trade cooperation, tariff issues, or strategic ties.

The timing of the call also coincided with diplomatic activity in both capitals. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar commenced a multi-day visit to Washington around the same period, and there is shared interest in stabilizing economic engagement and reducing friction in key areas.

Details of the call remain limited, as neither the White House nor the Indian government has issued a comprehensive official statement on the discussions. However, the fact that the two leaders connected by phone has been interpreted as a sign that both sides are committed to maintaining dialogue amid complex global challenges and ongoing negotiations.

Observers note that India-U.S. relations have experienced both cooperation and strain in recent years — from defence and technology collaboration to disputes over tariffs and market access. This recent outreach underscores the importance each side places on continued engagement at the highest level.

As senior officials from both governments continue discussions, audiences in New Delhi and Washington remain alert to further announcements around trade, strategic cooperation, and diplomatic coordination that may emerge following this latest conversation between Trump and Modi.