PM Modi was among Trump’s first three calls.
President-elect Donald Trump expressed a shared commitment to fostering global peace and stability. Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address pressing international issues, including combating terrorism, promoting economic growth, and reinforcing global security. PM Modi highlighted India’s dedication to peaceful development and its role in maintaining regional stability, while President-elect Trump underscored the United States’ ongoing commitment to support its allies. Their discussion reflected mutual respect and a willingness to strengthen India-U.S. relations, marking a promising start for future diplomatic and strategic cooperation between the two nations.
In an early diplomatic exchange between India and the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became one of the first three world leaders to speak with then-President-elect Donald Trump after his 2016 election victory. This symbolic gesture signaled the close relations between India and the United States and underscored the rapport that PM Modi had developed with successive U.S. administrations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the significance of this interaction, sharing that India’s relationship with the United States had been built on a foundation of stability, trust, and mutual respect, despite changes in leadership on both sides.
Speaking at the Aditya Birla 25th Silver Jubilee Scholarship Programme event in Mumbai, Jaishankar noted that while many countries were apprehensive about the implications of Trump’s presidency, India felt confident and optimistic. “Let’s be honest,” Jaishankar said, “A lot of countries in the world today are nervous about the U.S. India is not one of them.” His statement reflected India’s unique position, as it maintained a steady and resilient partnership with the United States. This stable connection has been strengthened through years of consistent diplomatic engagement, as PM Modi worked to build strong ties across multiple U.S. administrations.
Prime Minister Modi’s diplomatic outreach began in earnest during the Obama administration, and his efforts only intensified with Trump and later, President Joe Biden. Jaishankar emphasized Modi’s ability to adapt his approach to different U.S. leaders, highlighting his skill in fostering connections that transcend individual personalities and policy preferences. “When he first came to D.C., Barack Obama was the President, then it was President Trump, and then President Biden,” Jaishankar noted, underscoring the steady evolution of U.S.-India ties. Modi’s rapport with these leaders illustrated his dedication to advancing India’s interests on the global stage, while also aligning with the changing priorities of each administration.
The call between Modi and Trump covered a wide array of topics, with a special focus on their shared commitment to global peace. Both leaders expressed a strong desire to address issues that threaten international stability, such as terrorism, regional conflicts, and economic disruptions. Modi reiterated India’s role as a responsible global power, committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and economic growth. Trump, in turn, voiced his support for a strong U.S.-India partnership, recognizing the importance of cooperation in addressing global challenges. Their conversation reflected a convergence of strategic interests and shared values, with both leaders vowing to work together for a more peaceful world.
Jaishankar’s remarks shed light on India’s diplomatic philosophy, particularly in its approach to dealing with major global powers. India’s relationship with the United States has become a cornerstone of its foreign policy, with a particular emphasis on economic collaboration, security cooperation, and people-to-people ties. Despite shifts in the geopolitical landscape, India has remained steadfast in its pursuit of a balanced, respectful relationship with the U.S. Jaishankar attributed this stability to Modi’s proactive diplomacy, which has strengthened India’s position as a reliable and independent partner on the world stage.
The minister also pointed out that India’s confidence in its relationship with the United States was grounded in mutual respect and shared strategic objectives. “We are not one of the countries that is nervous about the U.S.,” Jaishankar said, emphasizing that India’s relationship with the U.S. was built on mutual trust rather than dependence or fear. This independent approach reflects India’s growing self-assurance in the international arena, as it navigates its relationships with other major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China.
Since Modi’s initial visit to Washington, D.C., U.S.-India relations have expanded significantly, covering diverse areas such as defense, trade, technology, and climate change. Under President Trump, the bilateral relationship was marked by notable strides in defense cooperation, with the two countries signing key defense agreements and increasing joint military exercises. Trade and investment also saw substantial growth, with U.S. Jaishankar’s comments underscored the continuity of these ties, even as leadership transitions brought new priorities to the bilateral agenda.
As Modi and Trump vowed to work together for world peace, their interaction laid the groundwork for further cooperation in critical areas, such as counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and regional security in the Indo-Pacific. Both leaders recognized the importance of a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region, which is crucial to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond. India’s participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, alongside the U.S., Japan, and Australia, demonstrated its commitment to fostering regional stability and countering emerging threats.
In conclusion, PM Modi’s early call with President-elect Trump symbolized the strength and resilience of the U.S.-India relationship. With leaders in both countries committed to deepening their strategic and economic partnership, India and the United States have continued to work together on issues of global significance, reinforcing their roles as key players in promoting peace and stability worldwide. As Jaishankar highlighted, India’s self-assured approach to its relationship with the U.S. exemplifies its commitment to fostering a balanced, mutually beneficial partnership that can withstand the changing tides of international politics.