Modi speaks with Trump as India seeks interim trade deal with US
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation on Sept 30, reviewing cooperation in trade, defence, energy and critical technologies as Trade Minister Piyush Goyal visits the US to negotiate an interim trade arrangement.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to stay in close engagement, the Prime Minister's Office said. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments.
The call comes amid trade friction after the US authorised tariffs of up to 100 per cent on nations buying Russian oil and gas, including India. New Delhi has warned such measures could affect bilateral relations.
Goyal's Sept 29–Oct 5 US visit includes a G20 trade ministers' meeting in Wisconsin and a roundtable with American manufacturing and technology executives in Milwaukee, as India seeks a balanced interim deal while longer Bilateral Trade Agreement talks continue.
