US-India relations: Trump-Modi discuss ties amid tariff, Ukraine oil row
Prime Minister Modi and US President Trump had a Diwali phone call this week, focusing on their countries' partnership even as things get tense.
Modi emphasized working together against terrorism and for global cooperation.
The chat happened just after the US slapped a 50% tariff on Indian exports because of India's continued Russian energy imports.
US-India relations at a tricky time
This call comes at a tricky time—US-India relations haven't been this strained since the late '90s.
While there's been strong teamwork in defense and tech lately, new trade disputes are causing friction.
Still, Trump called Modi a "great friend" and praised India's move to cut back on Russian oil.
Even with disagreements (and Indian officials expressing frustration at the tariffs), both sides want to keep talking, showing that their relationship can handle some bumps along the way.