Trump briefs Modi on the situation in West Asia, focusing on ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz; US envoy says incredible India-US deal is imminent

U.S. President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation in West Asia, including the importance of ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and recalled what the Indian leader said was substantial progress in bilateral cooperation in various fields. This is Trump’s second phone call with Modi since the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iraq war on February 28. Shortly after the talks, Gore said in response to a question from the Times of India that the two sides hoped to finalize an “incredible deal” in time before Secretary of State Rubio visits India next month for the Quad foreign ministers meeting.

Gore was asked whether the leaders discussed the possibility of Trump visiting India for the Quad summit. The ambassador said the focus now is Rubio’s visit. “The secretary of state is going to be here next month and we’re very excited about that. And he’s not just going to show up,” Gore told reporters on the sidelines of a reception at the U.S. Embassy. He also confirmed that the two leaders discussed the U.S. decision to block Iranian ports after peace talks with Iran failed over the weekend in Islamabad. In response to media inquiries, Gore did not elaborate on the nature of the deals being finalized but said they would be related to energy and other projects. He said “big-ticket items” will be announced in the coming days and weeks. When Trump announced the framework for a temporary trade agreement with India in early February, he said that India had committed to purchasing $500 billion worth of energy and other items from the United States. Gore said Trump, while briefing Modi on the situation in West Asia, also discussed these “big projects” in the bilateral relationship that are being discussed in Washington. Modi earlier posted on X that the two sides are committed to further strengthening the comprehensive global strategic partnership in various fields. “We also discussed the situation in West Asia and stressed the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure,” Modi posted on X during his 40-minute conversation with Trump. India has so far focused more on diplomacy with Iran rather than considering joining any military alliance to ensure the safe passage of its oil tankers through the critical energy waterway. On whether the United States would extend a deadline for India to import Russian oil and grant sanctions exemptions for Iran’s strategic Chabahar port, which India helped develop, Gore said he did not want to talk about the issues prematurely but added that a decision would be made at some point. The leader last spoke on March 24, when the West Asian region was in the midst of a raging war and a two-week ceasefire was agreed last week. Gore said Trump wanted to update him on the situation when he spoke to Modi on Tuesday. There were reports on the same day that the United States and Iran may hold another round of talks in Islamabad later this week. Asked about the prospect of more talks before the temporary ceasefire ends, Gore said he should not announce any future talks but said the leaders discussed the need to block and reopen the strait. “They did talk about the lockdown and the importance of reopening as quickly as possible. Frankly, the whole region… The whole world suffers from this. Why can one country turn off the lights to the rest of the world? This is unfair. It needs to stop, and the United States is determined to make that happen,” the ambassador said. “These are international waterways. There is an international treaty. The only reason prices are going up is because someone has hijacked this area. It’s clear that the United States wants to open this waterway. I think it will be good for the whole world, including India. ” Gore added.

We are committed to delivering results: Gor

President Trump’s last words to the prime minister were, “I just want you to know that we all love you,” said U.S. Ambassador Sergio Gore, who spoke at a reception at the U.S. Embassy shortly after the meeting.

“It’s literally the last thing. A lot of times people don’t see the sign. They do have an incredible relationship,” Gore said. Gore said Trump is well aware that the era of showmanship diplomacy is over. “We are committed to delivering results, from ensuring resilient supply chains to building the silicon backbone of modern computing. The foundation of the relationship between our two countries is very strong. Almost every day we are engaged at the highest level,” Gore said, adding that the two countries are not only witnessing history but also shaping it for the benefit of both countries.