Leaders review bilateral cooperation as India-US trade negotiations continue amid concerns over new US measures linked to Russian oil
GTNS | NEW DELHI | OCTOBER 1, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have reviewed the state of India-US relations in a telephone conversation that brought trade, energy, defence and critical technologies into focus.
The conversation took place as New Delhi and Washington continue negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement and as India is assessing the implications of a new US law concerning countries that purchase Russian oil.
According to the Indian government’s official readout, the two leaders reviewed progress in cooperation across several sectors and reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. They also agreed to remain closely engaged.
Regional and international developments were also discussed, including efforts related to global peace and security.
The timing of the conversation is significant for the ongoing trade negotiations. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is in the United States from September 29 to October 5 for discussions connected with the proposed bilateral trade agreement. He has also been engaging with US officials and business representatives on the negotiations.
A major issue surrounding the economic relationship is Washington’s new legislation concerning Russian energy purchases. India has raised concerns that possible tariff measures under the legislation could affect bilateral economic relations as well as the wider energy market.
India continues to maintain significant energy ties with Russia, making the issue particularly relevant to its trade and energy policy. At the same time, New Delhi and Washington are seeking progress on their broader trade agreement.
The telephone conversation therefore comes at a point when the two countries are simultaneously expanding cooperation in strategic sectors and working through differences in trade and energy policy.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor described the conversation as a “very good call”, while Prime Minister Modi described it as productive and said the two sides would maintain close engagement.
No new trade agreement was announced as part of the telephone conversation. The ongoing negotiations will continue through official channels, with the next steps expected to focus on market access, tariffs and other elements of the proposed bilateral trade framework.
The latest engagement keeps the India-US strategic partnership active while negotiations continue on some of the most consequential economic issues between the two countries.