Officials said the call focused on advancing cooperation in defence, critical technology, energy and securitysectors that have emerged as the backbone of the strategic partnership. Trade issues, including the ongoing negotiations on a new bilateral trade framework, also featured prominently.

This is the sixth phone call between the two leaders this year, underscoring the frequency of high-level engagement. Modi had earlier spoken to Trump in January after the US president assumed office. Subsequent interactions followed in April after the Pahalgam terror attack, in June regarding an invitation from Washington, and later when Trump conveyed greetings on Modi’s birthday and Diwali.

The call comes as a high-level US trade delegation, led by Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzerland, is in New Delhi for talks on a first-stage trade deal. The visit is aimed at easing tensions that escalated after Washington imposed a 25% tariff on select Indian goods, citing high Indian duties and a widening trade imbalance.

The tariff action has affected export–import flows, prompting both sides to seek a negotiated resolution. President Trump has repeatedly stated that a trade agreement with India is “close,” while officials on both sides remain cautious.

Despite current frictions, the two countries have set a target to raise bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030. Commerce Ministry data shows Indian exports to the US rose 21.64% to $33.53 billion between April and July 2025, while imports grew 12.33% to $17.41 billion, making the US India’s largest trading partner during the period.

The latest conversation is expected to provide momentum to ongoing negotiations as both governments seek to stabilise trade ties while deepening their strategic alignment.