Trump-Modi Phone Call Sets Stage for Jaishankar's Critical US Visit

US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone conversation, their first this year, just before External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's visit to the United States. Jaishankar's trip includes a Critical Minerals Ministerial with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on supply chains and clean energy. The call underscores intense bilateral engagement, with a trade deal reportedly in its final stages and discussions centered on market access and tariffs. The dialogue also sets the stage for broader strategic cooperation, including an expected US Presidential visit for the upcoming QUAD summit.

Key Points: Trump, Modi Speak Ahead of Jaishankar US Visit on Trade, QUAD

  • Trump-Modi call ahead of key visit
  • Trade deal in final phase
  • Focus on critical minerals & supply chains
  • QUAD summit & expected US Presidential visit
3 min read

President Trump, PM Modi speak over phone ahead of EAM Jaishankar's US visit

President Trump and PM Modi held a phone call as EAM Jaishankar visits the US for talks on trade, critical minerals, and QUAD cooperation.

"President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said in a social media post.STAY TUNED, he added."

Washington, Feb 2

US President Donald Trump spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, a day before External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, begins a visit to the United States of America.

"President Trump just spoke with Prime Minister Modi," US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said in a social media post.

"STAY TUNED," he added, without giving further details.

The brief announcement triggered interest across India and the US, where the relationship draws close attention in diplomatic, political and business circles.

No readout was issued by either governments yet.

The call appeared to be the first between the two leaders this year. They are believed to have spoken about 10 times since last summer.

India and the US are negotiating a trade deal.

Officials say talks appear to be in the final phase.

The discussions have focused on market access, tariffs and supply chains.

In recent public comments, Trump has praised PM Modi and his leadership.

In November, Trump said he intended to travel to India this year.

A US Presidential visit is expected in connection with the QUAD summit.

Earlier on Monday, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that EAM Jaishankar will visit the US this week. He will take part in the Critical Minerals Ministerial convened by the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"The Ministerial will focus on supply chain resilience, clean energy transitions, and strategic cooperation in critical minerals," the MEA said in a media statement.

During the visit, EAM Jaishankar will also meet senior members of the US administration, the MEA said.

No details were provided on the schedule or agenda of those meetings.

The timing of Trump's call, coming just ahead of EAM Jaishankar's visit, underscored the steady pace of high-level engagement between the two countries.

It also coincided with intensified talks on trade and strategic supply chains.

Critical minerals have emerged as a central issue in bilateral discussions. Both sides have stressed the need to secure reliable supplies for clean energy, advanced manufacturing and national security.

EAM Jaishankar's meetings are expected to address these priorities, alongside broader regional and global issues.

The US and India have expanded cooperation across defence, technology and energy in recent years.

The QUAD grouping, which includes India, the US, Japan and Australia, has become a key platform for strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.

Leaders from the QUAD have used the forum to discuss maritime security, infrastructure and emerging technologies.

India-US ties have also deepened through growing trade, people-to-people links and defence cooperation.

The two countries have signed foundational defence agreements and increased joint military exercises.

Trade talks have gained urgency as both governments seek to reduce supply chain risks and counter economic disruptions.

A finalised trade deal would mark a significant step in the economic partnership between India and the US.

EAM Jaishankar's visit comes at a time of heightened diplomatic activity.

Officials on both sides have described the relationship as one of the most consequential for the decade ahead.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
"STAY TUNED" is such a tease! 😄 But seriously, the focus on critical minerals and supply chains is smart. We need to secure our energy future and reduce dependency on any single country. Good to see our diplomacy working proactively.
R
Rohit P
While the engagement is good, I hope our negotiators are driving a hard bargain on the trade deal. We must protect our farmers and MSMEs from unfair competition. The "America First" policy is well known, we need an "India First" approach too.
S
Sarah B
The QUAD summit and a potential presidential visit would be huge. The Indo-Pacific stability is in everyone's interest. As an American living in India, it's great to see the partnership growing beyond just government levels to strong people-to-people ties.
V
Vikram M
Hope the discussions also cover easier visas for Indian professionals. That's a major pain point. The defence cooperation is excellent, but the real strength of the relationship will be in shared technology and innovation.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: I wish there was more transparency. "No readout was issued" and "No details were provided" is a recurring theme. As citizens, we deserve to know the broad contours of what our leaders are discussing, especially on trade which affects us all.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50