Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone on Monday, Modi said in a statement Post on X, the first conversation between the two leaders since Trump took office last week.
“We are committed to a mutually beneficial and trusting partnership,” Modi said in the post, adding that he also congratulated his “dear friend” on his historic second term as president.
“We will work together for the welfare of our people and global peace, prosperity and security,” Modi said.
The United States is India’s largest trading partner and bilateral trade between the two countries is expected to exceed $118 billion in 2023/24, with India posting a trade surplus of $32bn.
Indian and US diplomats are trying to arrange a meeting between the two leaders in early February. Reuters reported last week.
India, a strategic partner of the US in its efforts to counter China, is keen to expand trade ties with the US and make it easier for its citizens to obtain skilled worker visas.
