US President Donald Trump on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reaffirmed Washington’s close ties with New Delhi during a surprise live phone call at the 250th US Independence Day celebration held at the US Embassy in New Delhi.

Speaking over speakerphone at the event attended by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, Trump described himself as a “big fan” of PM Modi and said India could count on the United States “100%.”

“I love India. PM Modi is great; he is my friend,” Trump said during the interaction. “We have never been closer to India, and India can count on me and our country 100%. Anything India wants, they will get. I am a big, big fan of Prime Minister Modi,” he added.

Trump also praised Rubio, calling him “the greatest Secretary of State in the history of our country,” while expressing confidence in the growing India-US partnership.

The event marked the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence and brought together diplomats, policymakers and business leaders from both countries. A special video screening of a performance by A. R. Rahman, featuring his popular anthem Jai Ho, was among the highlights of the celebration.

Trade talks gain momentum

In posts on X, Ambassador Gor highlighted the strength of bilateral ties and Trump’s personal rapport with Modi. He said the relationship between the two countries was entering “a new era of shared success.”

Addressing the gathering, Gor said the India-US partnership was expanding rapidly across trade, investment, technology and strategic cooperation. He added that the US Embassy in India ranked first globally in attracting investments into the United States, bringing in $20.5 billion in new investments.

The ambassador also said an interim trade deal framework between India and the US had been announced and was expected to be signed in the coming weeks.

Trump’s remarks came during Rubio’s four-day visit to India, which includes participation in the upcoming Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on May 26.

Speaking to the media during his visit, the US Secretary of State expressed optimism over ongoing trade talks between the two countries.

“We’ve made tremendous progress, and I think we’re going to wind up with a trade agreement between the US and India that is going to be enduring and beneficial to both sides,” Rubio said.