Trump Modi Call: Trump dials Modi as US contemplates peace talks with Iran | India News
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation in West Asia, including the need to secure the key power waterway, the Strait of Hormuz, which is under Iranian blockade. Modi reiterated India’s support for an early de-escalation of tensions and restoration of peace. A day after Trump announced a five-day suspension of military strikes on Iranian plants, Modi called on Modi amid reports that Washington was considering sending Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for talks with Iranian officials, raising hopes for a quick end to military hostilities. It was also the first conversation between the 2 leaders since they spoke in early February, after which Trump announced agreement on a trade deal and cut tariffs on India from 50 to 18 percent.
“Received a call from President Trump and had a useful exchange on the situation in West Asia. India supports the fastest growing and restoration of peace. It is imperative for the entire world to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible,” Modi said in a post on X, adding that they agreed to stay in touch on efforts towards peace and tranquility. According to an Indian readout, Modi noted that safe passage of ships through the Straits is vital for world peace, stability and economic well-being. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke with his counterpart Marco Rubio about the conflict, its potential impact on the international economy and India’s energy security concerns. The news of Trump calling Modi was broken on social media by US Ambassador Sergio Gore, who also told a news channel that the President was keeping Modi “in the loop”. Trump and Modi also spoke on a day when the former appeared to support Pakistan’s efforts to play a mediator role in the conflict. When Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif publicly offered to hold talks between the US and Iran for a “comprehensive settlement” to the war that began on February 28, Trump shared a screenshot of Shehbaz’s post on his Truth social platform. Although Iran has allowed several Indian ships to pass through the strait in the past 2 weeks, many Indian ships remain stuck at chokepoints. Official sources said India is diplomatically engaged with Tehran to facilitate the movement of these ships. Jaishankar met Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fatali on Tuesday and shared India’s concern about the situation, while thanking Iran for its support to Indian nationals in the country. Modi also spoke to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia, with a special focus, as he said, on obstacles affecting global energy security. “We reviewed progress on key initiatives aimed at strengthening India-Sri Lanka energy cooperation and enhancing regional security. As close and trusted partners, we reiterate our commitment to work closely together to address shared challenges,” Modi said in a social media post. India has not officially responded to Trump’s delay in military action on Iran’s energy installations along the MEA saying only that the government is closely monitoring developments related to the conflict. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said both Modi and Jaishankar in their engagement on Tuesday were stressing that peace can only be restored through dialogue and diplomacy. Like many of America’s European allies, India has shown little interest in joining the US-led naval alliance to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
