PM Modi Calls US President Trump, Discusses Trade, Defence, Energy Amid Russia Sanctions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, September 30, as India and the United States continue to navigate trade negotiations and differences over Washington’s Russia-related sanctions legislation.

Modi described the conversation as “productive” and said the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas of mutual interest. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts to promote global peace and security.

Modi and Trump discuss key areas of India-US ties

According to the Indian government’s readout, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and agreed to maintain close engagement to deepen cooperation.

The leaders also agreed to remain in touch following the conversation.

The call took place as New Delhi and Washington continue negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement. India’s Trade Minister Piyush Goyal is currently in the United States for discussions related to an interim trade arrangement and the broader trade pact.

Russia sanctions law adds pressure to ties

The conversation also came against the backdrop of the recently enacted US Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 (SRIA).

The legislation gives the US president powers to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas under specified circumstances. India has expressed concerns that the measure could affect bilateral relations and the global energy market.

Indian diplomatic sources told media outlets that concerns over the Russia-related legislation were raised during the Modi-Trump conversation. However, the official Indian readout did not specifically mention Russia or the sanctions law.

New Delhi has maintained that its energy procurement decisions are guided by the need to ensure reliable and affordable supplies. India has also said it will take measures to protect its trade and economic interests.

Trade negotiations remain a key issue

The phone call comes after months of negotiations between India and the US on a bilateral trade agreement.

According to Reuters, the two countries have yet to reach a final agreement, while India is seeking an interim arrangement as negotiations continue. The US tariff measures connected to Russian oil purchases have added another issue to the discussions.

The two governments are also working to maintain cooperation in areas including defence, energy and emerging technologies.

First Modi-Trump call since new Russia-related law

The September 30 conversation was the first phone call between Modi and Trump since the US enacted the Russia-related sanctions legislation, according to reports.

The two leaders had previously met in person at the G7 summit in France in June 2026. Their latest conversation comes as both sides seek to maintain the broader strategic relationship while addressing differences over trade and energy policy.

For now, the official Indian account of the conversation focuses on continued cooperation across multiple sectors and the leaders’ agreement to remain engaged.