‘We all love you’: Trump tells Modi in call as leaders discuss Hormuz blockade

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump spoke on Tuesday, discussing the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the escalating West Asia crisis, even as Washington stepped up pressure on Iran through maritime restrictions.

The nearly 40-minute call comes at a time when the US has begun enforcing a blockade targeting Iranian-linked port traffic after the collapse of peace talks, raising concerns over global energy flows.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said the leaders discussed the Hormuz situation and described the interaction as “a very positive and productive call.” He also quoted Trump as telling Modi: “I just want you to know we all love you.”

Focus on Hormuz, energy and stability

The conversation took place against a rapidly deteriorating regional backdrop, with tensions rising after the US move to restrict Iranian-linked shipping.

Hormuz remains critical, handling a big chunk of global oil shipments, and any disruption has immediate implications for countries like India that rely heavily on the route.

Gor also said that “some big-ticket deals, including on energy, are expected between India and the US in the next few days and weeks,” indicating that economic cooperation remains a parallel track even amid geopolitical tensions.

India’s wider diplomatic outreach

India has simultaneously stepped up engagement across stakeholders in the region.

Earlier in the day, external affairs minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Saar, where the two sides discussed the West Asia situation, including developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the situation in Lebanon.

Earlier, the prime minister had also spoken with leaders in the region, including Israel and Iran, as part of India’s broader diplomatic push for de-escalation.

Third call this year, second since conflict escalation

Tuesday’s conversation was the third call between Modi and Trump this year, and the second since the conflict escalated on February 28, when US-Israeli strikes on Iran triggered a wider confrontation.

In their previous call on March 24, the two leaders had similarly stressed the need to keep the Strait open and ensure global energy security.

Shipping disruptions remain a concern

The crisis continues to impact maritime traffic through the region. At least 15 Indian vessels remain stranded in the Gulf as of today, even as some ships have managed to transit the Strait in recent days following diplomatic engagement.

India has consistently stressed free and safe navigation, while rejecting claims of any payments or toll arrangements for its vessels. The latest engagement comes as tensions remain high, with the US maintaining pressure on Iran through its blockade, while diplomatic efforts continue intermittently.