PM Modi, Trump speak over phone for 40 minutes
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Donald Trump had a nearly 40-minute phone conversation on Tuesday. The call comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia after failed US-Iran peace talks. This was the third conversation between the two leaders this year and the second since conflict erupted in West Asia after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
Details
'People of India love you'
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said Trump told PM Modi during the call, "I just want you to know we all love you." "People of India love you," PM Modi replied back. "They just got off the phone a few minutes ago. President keeps the PM updated regularly. What is happening big ticket items happening between India and US," Gor said.
Update
PM Modi shares update on phone call
In an update, PM Modi said they reviewed the substantial progress achieved in our bilateral cooperation in various sectors during the phone call. "We are committed to further strengthening our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership in all areas. We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure," he shared on X.
Call history
Third conversation between the 2 leaders this year
The two leaders had first spoken on February 2, when they discussed progress on a bilateral trade deal. They spoke again on March 24 to discuss the situation in West Asia. The latest call comes after US-Iran talks in Islamabad over the weekend ended without an agreement, leaving a fragile ceasefire uncertain.
Negotiation breakdown
US-Iran talks ended without a breakthrough
The US-Iran talks, which lasted nearly 21 hours, ended without a breakthrough. The US accused Iran of refusing to abandon its nuclear program, while Tehran blamed Washington for derailing the discussions. The US proposed a 20-year freeze on Iran's uranium enrichment, while Tehran was only willing to commit for five years, reports by The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal claimed. This disagreement was reportedly the main sticking point during the talks held over the weekend.