Modi described the exchange on X as productive, saying the leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas. Official sources said the Indian side initiated the call. A PMO release said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to stay closely engaged.
The Tariff Shadow Over the Talks
The call came 12 days after Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff, but gives the administration the authority to use one against countries buying Russian energy. It does not name the targeted countries, which leaves Washington room to decide who is hit and at what rate. The legislation could expose India and China, among Moscow’s top energy buyers.
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Where the Trade Deal Stands
The backdrop is a long-running dispute. The US Supreme Court struck down Trump‘s reciprocal tariffs in February, after a 50% tariff on Indian goods was imposed in August 2025. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is now in Washington trying to salvage an interim trade deal.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the two sides have more or less reached an understanding on the trade agreement. He also cautioned that the Section 301 process is still unfolding, and the question for India is when to close out an agreement that is already far advanced.
Will It Ease the Tariff Row?
Not immediately. The call shows both capitals want to keep talking, and that matters after a year of strained exchanges. But the energy-tariff authority remains in place, and India has shown no sign of changing its oil purchases.
