Trump Greets PM Modi on 75th Birthday, Thanks Him for Support in Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts
Leaders reaffirm India-US partnership as Modi assures support for peaceful resolution of Russia-Ukraine war
NEW DELHI, Sep 17: Former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend warm wishes on his 75th birthday, while also thanking him for supporting peace efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
“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,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Addressing Modi directly as “Narendra,” he added: “Thank you for your support on ending the War between Russia and Ukraine!”
In response, Modi expressed gratitude for the wishes and reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Washington. “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,” he said.
The exchange marks the first phone conversation between the two leaders since June 17, when they were unable to meet at the G7 summit in Canada. Their ties had seen strain in recent months after Trump accused New Delhi of indirectly aiding Russia’s war and imposed a 50% tariff on Indian oil purchases from Moscow. Trade talks between the two countries were also stalled.
However, after Modi’s engagements with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump appeared to recalibrate his stance, praising Modi as a “friend” and calling India-US ties “special.” Modi’s response further signaled a willingness to revive stalled negotiations and reinforce bilateral cooperation.
