PM Modi receives first birthday wishes from Donald Trump; both leaders discuss Russia–Ukraine conflict, as India-US trade talks resume

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his first birthday greeting of the day late Tuesday evening from U.S. President Donald Trump. PM Modi thanked Trump in a note on X, following a phone call in which the U.S. president conveyed his wishes.

“Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings on my 75th birthday. Like you, I am also fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights. We support your initiatives towards a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict,” PM Modi wrote in his post.

An hour later, Trump also took to his social media platform Truth Social, where he extended birthday wishes to PM Modi.

“Just had a wonderful phone call with my friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I wished him a very Happy Birthday! He is doing a tremendous job. Narendra: Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine,” he wrote.

During the birthday call, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump also discussed the Russia–Ukraine war, a recurring point of friction between India and the U.S., given Washington’s concerns over New Delhi’s close ties with Moscow.

These exchanges coincided with the sixth round of U.S.-India bilateral trade talks, as a delegation of U.S. officials visited India on Tuesday.

“A team of officials from the office of United States Trade Representative led by Chief Negotiator, India US Bilateral Trade Agreement negotiations Mr. Brendan Lynch visited India on September 16, 2025. They held discussions with officials from Department of Commerce, led by Special Secretary, Department of Commerce on India-US trade ties including on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement,” the Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement.

The Brendan Lynch-led U.S. delegation made a day-long visit to India to discuss the trade deal, with both sides expressing confidence that an agreement is close to completion.

“Acknowledging the enduring importance of bilateral trade between India and the U.S., the discussions were positive and forward looking covering various aspects of the trade deal. It was decided to intensify efforts to achieve early conclusion of a mutually beneficial Trade Agreement,” the statement by the ministry added.

In February this year, Trump and PM Modi had reaffirmed the strength of the India–U.S. Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The two leaders launched the U.S.-India COMPACT (Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology) initiative, aimed at driving transformative cooperation across key areas.

The two leaders had also then, set an ambitious target under ‘Mission 500,’ committing to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, while ensuring fair and secure growth with job creation opportunities.